Pitso Mosimane starts second Bafana Bafana spell as Hugo Broos sends best wishes

Pitso Mosimane has officially begun his second spell as South Africa head coach, with predecessor Hugo Broos offering his congratulations despite previously warning that the appointment could take Bafana Bafana “back five years”.

Mosimane succeeds Broos as national team coach and will lead South Africa into a new era, beginning with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His brief will also include the 2027 AFCON campaign and preparations for the road towards the 2030 tournament.

The appointment had been the subject of debate before it was confirmed, particularly after Broos gave an unenthusiastic assessment of Mosimane’s possible return while the former Bafana coach was still only a candidate for the position.

“Maybe so. You know, South Africa still doesn’t have a manager. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach,” Broos told Het Nieuwsblad.

“However, they know that if he comes, they will go back five years in time.”

Those comments have taken on added significance now that Mosimane has been formally appointed as Broos’ successor. Broos’ prediction will inevitably remain part of the discussion around the start of the new Bafana Bafana era.

Despite his earlier remarks, the 74-year-old former national team coach has publicly wished Mosimane well in his new role.

“President, congratulations to the new Bafana Bafana coach. I wish the coach and SAFA all the luck and success in the next few months,” Broos told SAFA.

Mosimane, who previously managed Bafana Bafana between 2010 and 2012, returns to the national team dugout with the opportunity to answer the questions surrounding his appointment through results on the pitch.

The South African is a three-time CAF Champions League winner and has also previously enjoyed a successful spell as Mamelodi Sundowns coach. His return gives him another chance to shape the national team and establish whether his second stint can deliver progress.

Until now, the debate had centred on whether Mosimane should be given the job. With the appointment confirmed, that discussion has shifted towards what he achieves with the team.

His immediate responsibilities will include guiding South Africa through the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while the longer-term objectives are qualification and preparation for the 2027 AFCON and the journey towards 2030.

Mosimane must now demonstrate that his return represents a step forward for Bafana Bafana rather than the backward movement Broos predicted. His performances and results will ultimately provide the clearest response to that claim.