Pitso Mosimane reveals SAFA approach amid uncertainty over Hugo Broos Bafana future

Former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has confirmed he has been contacted by the South African Football Association (SAFA) as speculation intensifies over who could replace current national team boss Hugo Broos.

Broos’ contract is due to expire at the end of this month, and while he led South Africa to qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals in June, SAFA has yet to make a public decision on whether the Belgian will be offered a new deal.

Mosimane, who is widely viewed as one of the leading contenders should SAFA opt for a change, said talks had taken place with the federation over the national team role.

Asked about growing reports linking him with a return, Mosimane did not shy away from acknowledging the contact.

“Concernant le poste d’entraineur des Bafana Bafana… Je ne sais pas quand le contrat d’Hugo Broos prendra fin, mais je sais que la federation a contacte beaucoup d’entre nous”, a declare Mosimane.

The 62-year-old is one of several names under consideration if SAFA moves on from Broos, whose future remains unresolved despite his recent success in guiding the side to the World Cup.

Broos’ future and succession planning

Broos, appointed in 2021, has overseen a period of progress for Bafana Bafana, culminating in their qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals. However, with his current deal running out this month and no announcement on an extension, attention has turned to possible successors.

Mosimane is among the favourites, with SAFA believed to be sounding out options in case Broos’ tenure is not prolonged. His admission that the federation has “contacte beaucoup d’entre nous” suggests a broader consultation process is under way as SAFA weighs its next move.

No timetable has been made public for a final decision, leaving both Broos’ position and the immediate future of the national side unresolved as the contract deadline approaches.

Mosimane’s previous spell in charge

Mosimane previously led Bafana Bafana between 2010 and 2012, a tenure that ended abruptly after a damaging result in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

He was dismissed following South Africa’s failure to defeat Ethiopia in a crucial qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a setback that effectively ended their hopes of reaching the tournament.

That episode brought his first spell in charge of the national team to a close, but his standing in the African game has grown significantly since then.

One of Africa’s most decorated coaches

Since leaving the Bafana Bafana role, Mosimane has built a reputation as one of the continent’s most successful coaches, notably during a highly decorated spell at Al Ahly.

Over the past 16 years, he has collected multiple CAF Champions League titles and seven domestic league championships, achievements that have made him one of Africa’s most sought-after managers.

It is that record, combined with his previous experience with the national side, that has placed him firmly in the frame should SAFA decide on a change at the top of Bafana Bafana.

For now, both Mosimane and the wider South African football public await clarity on whether Broos will be retained or a new era will begin with a different head coach.