Pitso Mosimane explains why minister backed him for Bafana Bafana role

Dr Pitso Mosimane has revealed the background to Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s public call for him to become the next Bafana Bafana head coach, as South Africa race to appoint Hugo Broos’ successor.

Broos’ contract is due to expire at the end of this month and, with time running short before key international commitments, the South African Football Association (SAFA) are understood to be assessing a shortlist of candidates for the national team job.

SAFA are reportedly working through applications and interviews as they look to have a new coach in place before the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which are scheduled to begin in June next year.

Mosimane, one of the most prominent names linked with the position, has confirmed he is among the coaches who have formally put themselves forward.

Mosimane confirms interest but says decision not his

Speaking on 947’s MSW, the former Bafana Bafana boss did not hide his desire to return, but stressed that the final decision rests with SAFA.

“Not me taking over, I wish. Yes, it’s my desire, why not? But I don’t make the call,” Mosimane said when asked whether he is the coach-in-waiting.

He explained that several other coaches had also gone through the same formal process.

“It’s not only me, everybody has been there and had the conversation and some people don’t say it, like I’m saying, that they have been there, submitted their CVs, their plan of how we gonna take this thing to a higher level,” he added.

Why McKenzie publicly endorsed Mosimane

McKenzie has already stated in public that, for him, it is a “no-brainer” who should succeed Broos, making clear that Mosimane is his preferred candidate.

Mosimane, however, said he is not questioning why he has been singled out, and moved to explain the context behind the minister’s comments.

“There are many people and I’m not asking why are you picking on me? The minister said some things and that created a little bit of…,” he said, alluding to the reaction that followed McKenzie’s remarks.

He then detailed his previous engagement with McKenzie on broader football development, which he believes shaped the minister’s view.

“I know where he comes from, he comes from a position where I have given him this draft of the manual, to say, ‘You are the Minister of Sport, how can we collaborate and work together in developing football holistically… He said, ‘No, my job is to develop the country’s sport (but) I love what you’re doing, and he comes emotionally from there,” Mosimane explained.

Time pressure before continental competition

While SAFA continue their deliberations, the international calendar is already set. The qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are due to start in September and run until March next year.

Those fixtures will come ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament itself, which is scheduled for June next year, adding urgency to SAFA’s search for a new head coach to replace Broos once his deal expires.

Mosimane, who previously led Bafana Bafana and has since built a high-profile club career, remains one of the leading contenders, but insists that like the other applicants, he can only wait for SAFA’s decision on who will be tasked with taking the national team “to a higher level.”