Pitso Mosimane has officially taken the reins as the new head coach of Bafana Bafana, signing a long-term contract that binds him to the national team until 2030.
Unveiled by the South African Football Association at SAFA House on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, the 62-year-old tactical mastermind steps into the vacancy left by Hugo Broos.
This high-profile appointment marks a homecoming for Mosimane, who returns to the national hot seat with a wealth of continental experience and a clear mandate to restore South African football to its former glory.
During his introductory address, Mosimane spoke candidly about the immense responsibility of guiding the national team, acknowledging the heavy weight of public expectation.
Reflecting on the personal magnitude of the appointment, Mosimane stated, “I have been given the privilege of leading our national team again. I take this responsibility knowing that I still have something to give in football, especially in my country.”
He made it clear that he understands the pressure ahead, noting, “I know this is simply not a coaching job; it is bigger than Pitso Mosimane. I understand the weight of this role, the expectations that come with it, and what this team means to South Africa. With pride and determination, I accept the challenge.”
Addressing the transition from his predecessor, Mosimane showed immense respect for the groundwork already in place, remarking, “He has laid a good foundation for me, and I appreciate the work he has done with Bafana.”
He emphasized a vision focused on building a sustainable, long-term football identity that nurtures local talent while transforming Bafana Bafana into genuine competitors rather than mere participants on the big stage.
When questioned about his immediate selection strategy, Mosimane explained his plans for squad continuity, adding, “Of course, we have players like Kabini who went to the World Cup, but were not given the chance to play, so we want to give players like that a chance. But we’re playing the qualifiers next, so the bulk of the squad will be made up of the players that went to the World Cup.”
To support this ambitious vision, Mosimane has already integrated his trusted technical allies, including conditioning expert Kabelo Rangoaga and performance analyst Musi Matlaba, into his setup.
The new era begins with immediate pressure, as his first competitive tests arrive in less than a month with a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea on 26 September, closely followed by a clash with Eritrea.