Top South African coach Pitso Mosimane reportedly rejects SAFA proposal for Bafana Bafana job

Experienced tactician Pitso Mosimane has reportedly rejected the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) initial proposal to return as head coach of Bafana Bafana.

The South African football authorities had nominated Mosimane as preferred candidate to take charge of the national team following Hugo Broos’ departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The association is now faced with the task of finding a coach capable of building on the foundation laid by the Belgian, who guided Bafana Bafana through a significant period of progress before leaving his position following the World Cup.

Mosimane has emerged as SAFA’s preferred choice to take over the reins, with the association reportedly keen to bring back the highly experienced coach for a second spell in charge of the national team.

However, according to a report, Mosimane is not prepared to accept the package currently being offered by SAFA. It is said negotiations have hit an obstacle, with the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach reportedly rejecting the terms put forward by the football association.

Mosimane’s potential return has generated considerable interest in South African football, given his previous success with Bafana Bafana and his extensive experience at club level across Africa and the Middle East.

The 62-year-old previously managed the national team between 2010 and 2012, before going on to build an impressive coaching career that included a highly successful spell with Mamelodi Sundowns.

His achievements with Sundowns helped establish him as one of the continent’s most decorated coaches, while his subsequent success with Egyptian giants Al Ahly further enhanced his reputation.

Mosimane led Al Ahly to back-to-back CAF Champions League titles and enjoyed considerable success on the continental stage, making him one of the most experienced African coaches available to take charge of a national team of Bafana Bafana’s stature.

SAFA’s decision to identify him as the preferred successor to Broos therefore comes as little surprise.

The association is believed to view Mosimane as a coach capable of taking South Africa into the next phase of its development, particularly after the progress achieved under Broos.

However, the reported disagreement over the proposed package could complicate the process.

Mosimane is understood to have carefully considered the offer and, according to the report, has not accepted the terms presented by SAFA.

The situation leaves the association with an important decision to make.

If Mosimane maintains his position, SAFA may have to return to negotiations and potentially improve the financial or contractual terms in an attempt to convince him to accept the job.

Alternatively, the association could be forced to consider other candidates if an agreement cannot be reached.

The development is particularly significant because SAFA has reportedly identified Mosimane as its preferred, and potentially only, option to replace Broos.

The association will therefore be hoping that the differences can be resolved before the process reaches an impasse.

Mosimane’s potential return to the Bafana Bafana dugout would represent a major development for South African football.

Having previously experienced the demands of managing the national team, he would arrive with an understanding of the local football environment, the expectations surrounding Bafana Bafana and the challenges involved in competing at continental level.

His extensive experience with elite clubs would also bring a wealth of knowledge to the national setup.

At the same time, the coach would face considerable expectations if he agrees to return.

South Africa will be looking to maintain its progress on the international stage and establish itself as a consistent force in African football.

Mosimane would also be expected to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours while continuing the development of younger players.

For now, however, his appointment is far from guaranteed.

SAFA has made its preference clear by nominating Mosimane, but the reported rejection of the initial proposal means negotiations will be crucial in determining whether the experienced coach returns to the Bafana Bafana bench.

It remains to be seen whether Mosimane will reconsider the offer or whether SAFA will improve its proposal in an effort to reach an agreement.

Should the two parties fail to find common ground, the association could be forced to reopen its search for Broos’ successor.

For the moment, Mosimane remains SAFA’s preferred candidate, but his reported reluctance to accept the current package has put the much-anticipated return on hold.