Pitso Mosimane launches grassroots coaching manual in bid to reboot South African football

Pitso Mosimane has unveiled a new Youth Football Coaching Manual as the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana head coach steps up his drive to overhaul South African football development from the bottom up.

Out of club management since becoming a free agent in January 2025, Mosimane has focused his energy on youth structures, working through his academy and a series of grassroots projects aimed at reshaping how young players are trained across the country.

The newly released manual is designed as a practical guide for youth coaches, shifting attention towards nurturing players at community and junior level rather than concentrating solely on the professional game.

Mosimane, one of Africa’s most decorated coaches after winning multiple league titles and the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns before further continental success at Egyptian giants Al Ahly, says the issue in South Africa is not a lack of gifted players.

“South African football doesn’t have a talent problem. It has a development challenge. We have gifted young players in every community across this country,” he said.

“The question is whether we’re providing them with the coaching, support and environment they need to fulfil their potential.”

Manual aimed at coaches, parents and communities

The Youth Football Coaching Manual sets out to provide coaches with concrete methods, drills and guidance intended to improve how youngsters are identified, trained and supported from an early age.

Mosimane’s aim is to create a consistent framework that can be used across communities, academies and schools, giving aspiring players the right foundations long before they approach the professional ranks.

In a social media post announcing the project, Mosimane described the publication as “a practical resource designed to empower coaches, support parents, inspire communities and shape the next generation of footballers”, stressing that building a complete player starts long before they reach elite level.

According to Mosimane, the manual is part of a wider push to professionalise youth coaching, ensuring that those who work with children at grassroots level are better equipped to nurture both ability and mentality.

Focus on the role of the first coach

Alongside the announcement of the manual, Mosimane highlighted the importance of the first coach in a player’s journey, sharing a message that underlined how early guidance can transform lives.

“Every player remembers the coach who believed in them first.⚽️❤️Behind every player like, Phiwokuhle and Wayne, there is a coach who saw their potential before anyone else did. Great coaches don’t just develop footballers, they shape character, build confidence and leave a…”

The message, posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, underscored his belief that coaching at junior level must extend beyond tactics and technique to include personality, confidence and values.

Continuing commitment beyond the touchline

Mosimane’s latest venture reflects his determination to remain an influential figure in South African football even while out of club management.

Since leaving his last coaching role, he has repeatedly stressed that long-term success for the national game depends on fixing development structures and investing in properly trained grassroots coaches.

The Youth Football Coaching Manual is the newest addition to his development work, complementing his existing academy and grassroots initiatives and signalling his intention to keep shaping the future of South African football from outside the dugout as well as from within it.