Mosimane’s long-term plan persuaded SAFA to appoint him as Bafana Bafana coach

SAFA technical director Molefi Ntseki says Pitso Mosimane’s four-year vision was a decisive factor in his appointment as the new Bafana Bafana head coach.

Mosimane was officially unveiled in Johannesburg on Tuesday, returning to the South Africa senior national team for a second spell after a 14-year absence. He succeeds Hugo Broos, who had been in charge before Mosimane’s appointment.

Ntseki said Mosimane’s presentation to the South African Football Association stood out because it set out a long-term plan covering the period from 2026 to 2030. The technical director did not disclose the details of the presentation but described it as impressive and central to the decision to select Mosimane as the preferred candidate.

“I think when we approached you then you made a very good presentation, of which the presentation itself it’s a four-year presentation, starting in 2026 until 2030, so we really appreciate the presentation that you made,” said Ntseki.

“That is why the choice was made to be you the preferred candidate to take over Bafana Bafana. I must also thank you to have appreciated the good work that coach Hugo Broos played in putting together the team that we have, in putting us back into the world football.”

Ntseki also praised Mosimane for publicly recognising the contribution made by Broos, whose work he said had helped rebuild the national team and restore South Africa’s standing in world football.

The SAFA technical director noted that successors do not always speak positively about the managers they replace. He said Mosimane’s experience and understanding had enabled him to acknowledge Broos’ work, while also expressing his expectation that the outgoing coach would offer similar support to his successor.

“In most cases, predecessors and successors they don’t always talk well of each other. And I think that understanding, that experience that you have gained over years, is the one that says to the world, you appreciate your predecessor and thank you for that.

“The expectation from me as a technician was also for your predecessor to appreciate and wish the successor all the best of luck. But at times the understanding becomes different, and the connotations also becomes different.

“But I really want to thank you to have appreciated and recognized the work that was done your the predecessor.”

Mosimane’s return marks his second period in charge of Bafana Bafana. He has been out of coaching since January 2025, when he left Esteghlal FC.

His appointment brings him back to the national team after more than a decade away, with SAFA placing particular importance on the long-term approach he presented during the selection process. Ntseki’s comments indicate that Mosimane’s plans, together with his respect for Broos’ achievements, helped separate him from the other candidates considered for the role.