Pitso Mosimane is close to making a notable comeback as the head coach of Bafana Bafana, following the South African Football Association’s National Executive Committee’s approval of his appointment.
This decision was reached during an extraordinary NEC meeting held at SAFA House on Saturday, 8 August 2026, setting the stage for Mosimane’s return to a role he last occupied over ten years ago.
SAFA president Dr. Danny Jordaan confirmed the NEC’s support for Mosimane’s appointment but noted that several issues still need to be resolved before his official introduction can take place.
“The NEC has approved the appointment of coach Pitso to Bafana Bafana, but we still need to tie up some loose ends. We will make a formal announcement of the coach next week,” Jordaan said.
This announcement suggests the beginning of a fresh chapter for one of South Africa’s most successful football managers.
Mosimane previously held the position of Bafana Bafana coach from 2010 to 2012. His return arrives at a crucial time for the national team, following the exit of Belgian coach Hugo Broos.
Broos took over in 2021 and departed after his contract ended in July.
During his tenure, he achieved some of the most notable results for Bafana in recent memory.
Under Broos’ leadership, South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking a 24-year drought of participation in the global event.
The team also made history by reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time, highlighted by a 1-0 win over South Korea.
Additionally, Broos led Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
With Mosimane’s expected return, he faces new challenges as the team looks to build on its recent achievements and enhance its competitiveness against the continent’s top teams.
Mosimane possesses extensive experience for the role.
Recognized as one of the most accomplished managers in Africa, he has secured numerous domestic league titles as well as three CAF Champions League championships.
His Champions League successes came during his tenures at Mamelodi Sundowns and the Egyptian club Al Ahly.
At Sundowns, Mosimane was the first South African coach to lead the club to CAF Champions League victory in 2016.
He later continued his success at Al Ahly, clinching the trophy twice and solidifying his standing in African football.
His prior experience with Bafana, alongside his club achievements, positioned him as a top candidate for the role.
Mosimane reportedly applied for the coaching position after the World Cup and stood out among over 80 applicants.
His selection reflects a significant endorsement from SAFA as the organization approaches another critical phase in the national team’s evolution.
The timing is crucial.
Bafana is set to initiate its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September, leaving the new coach with limited time to acclimate and prepare the team for upcoming matches.
While the NEC has sanctioned Mosimane’s appointment, SAFA has emphasized that the process is not yet fully completed.
Jordaan’s remarks suggest that there are still contractual or administrative details to resolve before the appointment can be deemed official.
A formal announcement and introduction are anticipated in the days ahead.
For Mosimane, this return to Bafana would signify an extraordinary opportunity to lead the national team again.
For SAFA, this appointment aims to build upon the advancements made under Broos while placing one of South Africa’s most experienced coaches at the forefront of the next chapter.
Expectations will be high.
With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on the horizon, Mosimane could soon be entrusted with the task of translating Bafana’s recent improvements into ongoing success in the continent.
