Pitso Mosimane has been appointed head coach of South Africa’s national team, returning to the Bafana Bafana job for a second permanent spell after Hugo Broos stepped down.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, September 1, ending weeks of uncertainty over Broos’ successor. Mosimane, one of Africa’s most successful coaches, previously managed Bafana Bafana from 2010 to 2012.
He also served as an assistant and caretaker coach before taking the permanent role.His first permanent spell ended after South Africa failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
More than a decade later, Mosimane returns with a significantly stronger coaching record, having won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016 before leading Egyptian giants Al Ahly to two CAF Champions League titles.
He is a three-time African champion as a coach. Mosimane replaces Broos, who ended his five-year tenure after guiding South Africa to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and a historic run to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Broos, 74, decided against extending his contract, citing the strain of spending long periods away from his family as the reason for his departure. Mosimane returns to a Bafana side that has made significant progress under Broos and will face immediate pressure to maintain that momentum.
His first major task will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with South Africa scheduled to face Guinea and Eritrea in September. South Africa are in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya, with the latter already assured of a place at the tournament as co-hosts.
Accepting the appointment, Mosimane said he understood the significance of returning to lead his country.
“I know that this is bigger than Pitso Mosimane. I accept this role with great humility.” He added that he was taking on the position knowing he still had something to contribute to football in South Africa.
The appointment gives Mosimane another opportunity to lead Bafana Bafana, but this time he inherits a team coming off its most successful World Cup campaign and with expectations significantly higher than during his first tenure.