South African FA, Pitso Mosimane reach agreement as Bafana return nears

Pitso Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana dugout is edging closer after the coach and the South African Football Association (SAFA) reportedly reached common ground over the key issues that had stalled negotiations.

The breakthrough follows intensive discussions between SAFA and Mosimane’s representatives, with the two sides said to have resolved differences over his salary and the composition of his technical team.

An improved package believed to be worth around R10 million annually has reportedly removed the biggest obstacle to his appointment.

Mosimane’s camp had turned down SAFA’s initial offer of approximately R5 million per year, arguing that it did not reflect the coach’s stature, achievements and experience. The proposal was also understood to be less than half of what former Bafana coach Hugo Broos earned.

Salary deadlock finally broken

SAFA subsequently improved its offer, reportedly moving Mosimane’s remuneration closer to the level previously enjoyed by Broos.

The financial negotiations were further complicated by Mosimane’s demands over his backroom staff. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach wanted the association to consider his preferred technical team as part of one overall package.

His choices include Musi Matlaba in a performance analysis role, fitness coach Kabelo Rangoaga and football performance analyst Kyle Solomon.

SAFA had initially proposed handling their salaries separately. However, Mosimane’s camp reportedly preferred an arrangement that would give him greater control over the technical structure.

A SAFA insider explained that the association could not simply allow Mosimane to employ members of his staff while paying their salaries, arguing that such an arrangement might have worked at clubs but would be different within a national-team setup.

With the financial differences now reportedly settled, attention has shifted towards completing the appointment.

Time running out for Bafana

SAFA faces growing pressure to conclude the process quickly, with Bafana Bafana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign only weeks away.

South Africa will host Guinea on September 23 before travelling to face Eritrea four days later. Mosimane would therefore have little time to assess his squad, finalise his technical team and prepare the players for competitive action.

Reports suggest an official announcement could come this week, with Mosimane expected to name his preliminary squad soon after taking charge.

The urgency is heightened by the need to give the incoming coach enough preparation time before the qualifiers.

Mosimane’s African pedigree

A return to Bafana would represent a major chapter in Mosimane’s already distinguished coaching career.

He previously managed South Africa between 2010 and 2012, but his reputation has grown substantially since leaving the national-team post.

His biggest successes have come with Sundowns and Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Mosimane guided Sundowns to their first CAF Champions League title in 2016 before moving to Al Ahly, where he won the competition again in 2020 and 2021.

His three Champions League triumphs place him among the most successful coaches in African club football and have strengthened the expectations surrounding his potential return to the national team.

Bigger questions over local coaches

The negotiations have also sparked debate over how South African coaches are valued financially.

The Economic Freedom Fighters criticised SAFA over its reported initial offer to Mosimane, questioning why a coach with three CAF Champions League titles would initially be offered substantially less than a foreign coach who previously occupied the same position.

The dispute has consequently extended beyond Mosimane’s appointment, becoming part of a wider discussion about the remuneration and recognition of South African coaching talent.

But with the reported improvement in the package removing the main stumbling block, the focus can now return to Bafana’s footballing ambitions.

Mosimane inherits Broos’ foundation

Mosimane would take over a side that has made considerable strides under Broos, most notably by securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His task will be to build on that progress while implementing his own tactical philosophy and making decisions over personnel.

The first test will arrive almost immediately through the AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

SAFA’s NEC has reportedly already approved Mosimane’s appointment, leaving the formal announcement as the major outstanding step.

After months of negotiations, the return of “Jingles” to the Bafana Bafana bench now appears closer than ever.