Pitso Mosimane set to return as South Africa head coach

Pitso Mosimane is set to return as South Africa head coach after the national football association’s executive committee approved his appointment, although the deal still requires some final details to be settled.

South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan said the organisation would formally announce the new coach next week.

“The National Executive Committee has approved the appointment of Pitso Mosimane as coach of the South African national team,” Jordaan said on SAFA’s official website.

He added: “However, there are still some details that we need to finalise. We will officially announce the coach next week.”

Mosimane is expected to succeed Belgian manager Hugo Broos, who recently resigned from his position with Bafana Bafana.

Broos guided South Africa to appearances at two successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and helped the team reach the second round of the 2026 World Cup. That qualification marked South Africa’s return to the World Cup knockout stage after a 16-year absence.

South African reports had identified Mosimane as the leading candidate to replace Broos before SAFA confirmed that its executive committee had agreed to his return.

The 62-year-old previously managed South Africa between 2010 and 2012. His return would mark a second spell in charge of the national side after the end of Broos’ tenure.

Mosimane brings extensive experience from club football, having won the CAF Champions League three times during his managerial career. He lifted the trophy twice with Al Ahly and once with Mamelodi Sundowns.

His period with Al Ahly brought particular success, while his earlier achievement with Mamelodi Sundowns established him as one of the leading coaches in African football. The three Champions League triumphs are among the most significant accomplishments of his career.

Jordaan’s comments represent the clearest indication yet that Mosimane will take charge, but SAFA has not completed the appointment process. The association is expected to confirm the identity of the new head coach next week once the remaining details have been resolved.

The announcement will bring an end to the uncertainty created by Broos’ resignation. Under the Belgian, South Africa achieved back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations participation and progressed beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, ending a 16-year wait to reach the knockout rounds.

Mosimane’s previous experience with the national team, combined with his success in the CAF Champions League with both Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, made him the prominent name in the succession discussions.

SAFA’s approval means the former Al Ahly manager is now close to beginning his second spell as South Africa coach, with the formal confirmation expected in the coming week.