Pitso Mosimane takes charge of South Africa for crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign

Pitso Mosimane has been appointed as South Africa head coach, with the South African Football Association turning to one of the country’s most decorated managers just weeks before the start of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mosimane replaces Belgian coach Hugo Broos and returns to the national team with extensive experience at both domestic and continental level. The 61-year-old has won 20 major trophies during his coaching career, including three CAF Champions League titles.

Two of those continental triumphs came during his time with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, while the other was secured with Mamelodi Sundowns. His record has made him one of the most successful coaches in African football and influenced the decision to bring him back for another spell in charge of his country.

Mosimane has also won five South African league titles during his career. Much of that success came in domestic football, but he has also built a wide international coaching profile through spells outside South Africa.

His overseas appointments have included Al-Ahli Saudi FC and Abha Club in Saudi Arabia, as well as Al Wahda FC in the United Arab Emirates. His most recent coaching position was with Esteghlal FC in Iran.

The decision to reappoint Mosimane comes at an important stage for South Africa, with the national side preparing for a demanding qualifying schedule. The South African Football Association is relying on his experience to guide the team through the next phase and improve its prospects of reaching the continental finals.

South Africa are expected to begin their new campaign against Guinea on 26 September. That match will be followed by a fixture against Eritrea four days later, on 30 September.

The team will then face Kenya in a two-leg tie in November, with both the first and second legs scheduled to be played during that month. Those matches will form another significant test for Mosimane as he attempts to make a positive start to his return.

The appointment represents a fresh opportunity for Mosimane to lead his national team while also placing immediate pressure on him to deliver results. South Africa’s hopes of securing a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will begin with the September matches, before the November meetings with Kenya complete the next part of the qualifying programme.

With his previous success at Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, along with his experience in several leagues across the region and beyond, Mosimane will be expected to use his knowledge of African football to steer South Africa through the campaign.