Pitso Mosimane confirms two key appointments to South Africa coaching team

Pitso Mosimane has confirmed that long-term colleagues Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaga will join him as part of his technical team after he was appointed South Africa head coach.

Mosimane was unveiled as the new Bafana Bafana manager on Tuesday, succeeding Hugo Broos in charge of the national side. The announcement was made during a media briefing at SAFA House.

Matlaba, who has worked with Mosimane as an analyst for many years, and conditioning coach Rangoaga will both move into coaching roles with the national team. Mosimane said the pair had completed their coaching qualifications and were now coaches in their own rights.

The appointments mean Mosimane will continue working with two members of his established backroom team as he begins his latest spell in charge of Bafana Bafana. He pointed to the length of their professional relationship and the success they have shared.

“We’ve been together, we’ve had our long journey,” Mosimane stated.

“There has been obstacles, but more successful than obstacles.

“We’ve won 19 trophies together, among them four CAF Champions League finals, and three FIFA Club World Cups.

“There is enough experience, we are familiar with the FIFA World Cup.”

Mosimane also revealed that his technical staff is not yet complete, with another assistant coach still to be appointed. He said discussions were continuing but that potential candidates could not necessarily be confirmed immediately because some coaches remained under contract.

“Another assistant coach is still coming. We are working on that, it’s not easy, some coaches are under contract. We will announce that later,” Mosimane added.

The confirmation of Matlaba and Rangoaga gives Mosimane two familiar figures within the structure supporting him at Bafana Bafana. Both have previously worked alongside him during a long coaching partnership that, according to Mosimane, has produced 19 trophies.

Their shared honours include four CAF Champions League finals and three FIFA Club World Cups. Mosimane used that experience to underline the existing understanding between the members of his team, particularly in relation to the demands of international football.

He also stressed their familiarity with the FIFA World Cup as part of the experience they bring to the national setup. However, the identity of the additional assistant coach remains undecided, with Mosimane saying an announcement would follow once the process has been completed.

The new head coach’s technical team will therefore initially include Matlaba and Rangoaga, while discussions continue over the remaining assistant coaching position.