Pitso Mosimane backed to revive Bafana Bafana by Lebogang Maboe

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Maboe believes Pitso Mosimane has the experience and understanding of South African football to succeed as the new Bafana Bafana head coach.

Mosimane was announced as Hugo Broos’ successor on Tuesday, beginning his second official spell in charge of the national team 14 years after his previous tenure ended.

The 62-year-old returns to the role having built an impressive record at club level. Since his last spell with Bafana Bafana, Mosimane has won more than 20 titles with Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Al Ahli Jeddah.

Maboe, who previously worked with Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns, believes that knowledge will be particularly valuable as the coach attempts to achieve success with the national side.

“It’s a very… firstly congratulations to coach Pitso, I’m very happy for him, he’s going to do so well in the national team,” Maboe said.

Mosimane led Mamelodi Sundowns during a period of domestic dominance, with Maboe part of the squad that won the league title in each of their four seasons together.

The midfielder said Mosimane’s detailed understanding of the domestic game and the players competing in it should help him make an immediate impact with Bafana Bafana.

“He’s a coach that knows this league so well, he know how South African players are, he will really do well in the national team,” Maboe concluded.

Mosimane’s return to the national team comes after a successful managerial career in both South Africa and abroad. His achievements with Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Al Ahli Jeddah have taken his overall trophy haul beyond 20 titles.

He will now be expected to translate that club success to the international stage during his second official stint as Bafana Bafana coach.

For Maboe, the appointment could also provide an added incentive as he looks to maintain his strong form for Kaizer Chiefs and earn a recall to the national team.

The 17-cap midfielder has not played for Bafana Bafana since 2021. His most recent appearance came in Hugo Broos’ first official match as head coach.

Maboe will therefore hope his performances for Amakhosi are enough to bring him back into the national-team picture under Mosimane. The player’s previous relationship with the coach, formed during their time at Mamelodi Sundowns, gives him direct experience of Mosimane’s methods and his ability to deliver domestic success.

Mosimane’s appointment marks a return to a role he last held 14 years ago, while his record since then has strengthened his reputation as one of the most successful South African coaches. Maboe is confident that his familiarity with the league and South African players can now help him succeed with Bafana Bafana.