Pitso Mosimane set for Bafana Bafana return after SAFA approves appointment

Pitso Mosimane is set to return to the Bafana Bafana dugout more than a decade after his previous stint in charge of South Africa’s senior men’s national football team.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee has approved Mosimane’s appointment following the departure of Hugo Broos, with his formal unveiling expected this week.

Mosimane previously coached Bafana Bafana in a caretaker capacity in 2007 before taking permanent charge of the national team from 2010 to 2012.

Mosimane set for second permanent Bafana stint

The appointment marks Mosimane’s second permanent spell in charge of Bafana Bafana.

SAFA approved his return earlier in August, although administrative and contractual matters delayed the formal announcement.

Mosimane has since been expected to take over the national team ahead of its next round of competitive fixtures.

His return puts one of South Africa’s most prominent coaches back in charge of the national side after more than a decade away from the role.

Little time before AFCON qualifiers

Mosimane will have limited time to settle into the job, with Bafana Bafana preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

South Africa is due to face Guinea and Eritrea in its opening qualifying fixtures.

Mosimane has already been doing scouting work alongside trusted members of his technical team, Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba, during the period leading up to his expected announcement.

A preliminary Bafana Bafana squad is also expected once his appointment is formally unveiled.

A return to the Bafana dugout

Mosimane’s return follows the departure of Broos and brings him back to a national team he last permanently coached in 2012.

While SAFA has approved the appointment, attention now turns to the formal announcement and the squad Mosimane will select as preparations begin for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

With fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea approaching, there will be little time for the returning coach and his technical team to settle into their new roles before competitive action begins.

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