Pitso Mosimane addresses speculation over return as South Africa head coach

Former Al Ahly boss Pitso Mosimane has distanced himself from talk that he is on the verge of taking over the South Africa national team, stressing that he does not even know whether the job is available.

Uncertainty surrounds the future of current coach Hugo Broos, whose contract with the South African Football Association (SAFA) is due to expire at the end of this month, with no clarity yet on whether he will be offered a new deal or replaced.

Speaking to reporters, Mosimane was asked about reports linking him with a return to the Bafana Bafana hot seat.

“The news that linked me with coaching the South Africa national team? I don’t know when Hugo Broos’ contract ends. And is the position available or not?” he said.

However, the 59-year-old confirmed that SAFA have held discussions with him and other coaches as part of their longer-term planning for the national side.

He added: “But I know that the South African Football Association spoke to many of us about taking the job as part of a succession plan for coaches: what do you want? What will you do? What is your plan? How do we take the national team to a better level?”

Broos contract running down amid growing doubts

Belgian coach Broos is approaching the final days of his current deal, with SAFA yet to publicly state whether they intend to extend his stay or move in a different direction.

Broos has overseen a resurgence with South Africa, guiding the team to back-to-back appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations and leading them into the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup – the country’s first appearance in the knockout phase of the tournament after a 16-year absence.

Despite those achievements, his future has been thrown into doubt by comments he made in Belgium, where he caused a stir by suggesting he would not be returning to continue in charge of Bafana Bafana.

That has fuelled speculation in South African media that SAFA are actively considering alternatives, with Mosimane repeatedly mentioned as the leading candidate to succeed him if a change is made.

Mosimane’s previous spell and continental success

Mosimane has already served one spell as South Africa head coach, between 2010 and 2012, following his work as an assistant with the national side.

Since leaving the role, he has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most successful club coaches, enjoying major success on the continent and becoming widely regarded as one of the most prominent managers in the country’s history.

His high profile, experience with the national team and track record in African competitions have made him an obvious name in any discussion about potential successors to Broos.

For now, though, Mosimane insists the key question remains whether there will be a vacancy at all – and, if so, what SAFA’s precise plans are for the next phase of Bafana Bafana’s development.