Pitso Mosimane deserves the same patience given to Hugo Broos, says Dan Malesela

Pitso Mosimane should be given time to rebuild Bafana Bafana because he has the experience and ability to move the national team forward, according to School of Excellence head Dan Malesela.

Mosimane was officially unveiled as South Africa’s new head coach by SAFA last week, beginning his second spell in charge of the senior men’s side. His first stint came 14 years ago.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach has replaced Hugo Broos, who spent five years with Bafana Bafana. During that period, Broos guided the team to qualification for two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and helped them reach the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Malesela believes Mosimane should not be judged before he has had the opportunity to work, arguing that black coaches are often met with excessive scepticism.

“When there’s a black coach coming in, there are always sceptics and people already being negative to say, ‘This person will not succeed at this level,’” Malesela told iDiski Times.

“There are a lot of coaches I know who would have succeeded at big clubs locally, but the challenge is that they are judged prematurely, with people saying, ‘The job will be bigger than him’ even before he has taken charge.

“But what could be bigger than Pitso? He has coached the national team before, and he understands the international football world. Sometimes a coach is just unfortunate, and the results don’t come your way. But it doesn’t mean you’re a bad coach.”

Malesela said circumstances surrounding a coach can have a significant influence on results, and that Mosimane should be afforded the same opportunity given to Broos.

“There may be circumstances around where you are and what is prevailing at that time. So, we need to give Pitso a chance,” he said.

“I mean, we’ve given that man Hugo Broos how many years? Five? And still, he didn’t win anything.

“Sure, we reached the knockout stage of the World Cup, the Last 32, but that is not the ultimate achievement. We must support Pitso and give him time.”

Malesela made the comments in an interview with iDiski Times senior journalist Matshelane Mamabolo for edition 272 of the newspaper, in which he discussed Mosimane’s return to Bafana Bafana.