Safa set to announce Pitso Mosimane as new Bafana Bafana coach

The South African Football Association (Safa) is expected to officially announce Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana coach this week after the two sides reached an agreement following almost three weeks of negotiations.

Mosimane’s appointment is set to be confirmed by Safa once the remaining details have been finalised. The discussions were described as lengthy and difficult, with the parties encountering numerous stumbling blocks before eventually finding common ground on Friday night.

The agreement clears the way for Mosimane to take charge of the national team, subject to the formal announcement from Safa. The association has not yet officially unveiled the coach, but the expectation is that the confirmation will come in the coming days.

One outstanding issue concerns the future of Vincent Tseka, whose contract as team manager expired in July. Safa and the relevant parties are still expected to determine whether Tseka will remain involved with Bafana Bafana in the same role.

Tseka is likely to continue as team manager, although that decision is among the matters still to be resolved before the new coaching arrangement is formally presented. His possible retention means the composition of the backroom structure remains under discussion even though an agreement has been reached over Mosimane’s appointment.

The negotiations between Safa and Mosimane lasted approximately three weeks and were marked by repeated difficulties. The two parties reportedly struggled to reach an agreement during that period, with a number of issues having to be addressed before Friday night’s breakthrough.

Safa’s expected announcement will therefore bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the next Bafana Bafana coach. Mosimane is now in line to be named officially, while the decision on whether Tseka’s contract will be renewed remains pending.

The association is expected to provide clarity on both matters this week, with Mosimane’s appointment the main announcement and Tseka’s position forming part of the remaining discussions.