South African football is bracing for a major coaching announcement, with Pitso Mosimane reportedly in line to return as Bafana Bafana head coach.
According to reports, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has settled on Mosimane as the preferred successor to Hugo Broos, whose five-year spell in charge came to an end after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SAFA’s National Executive Committee was scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 8, with the appointment expected to be formally considered and ratified.
Mosimane Could Make Bafana Bafana Comeback
If confirmed, Mosimane would return to the national team more than a decade after his previous spell in charge.
The former Bafana coach is regarded as one of the most successful South African coaches in the history of the game, having built an impressive résumé both domestically and internationally.
His potential return comes at a pivotal moment for the national team following Broos’ departure.
Broos took charge in 2021 and helped transform Bafana Bafana into a competitive force on the continent. His tenure included a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and South Africa’s progress to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.
With Broos now gone, SAFA faces the challenge of maintaining that momentum while setting new ambitions for the next generation of Bafana Bafana.
A Coach With Proven Continental Success
Mosimane’s coaching career includes major achievements with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
During his time at Sundowns, he won multiple domestic league titles and famously guided the club to the 2016 CAF Champions League title—the first time a South African coach had won the competition.
His success continued after moving to Egypt, where he led Al Ahly to two CAF Champions League titles and two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals.
Mosimane also gained experience in the Middle East, coaching in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
That international experience could prove valuable if he returns to the national team, particularly as South Africa looks to build on its recent progress.
SAFA Yet to Make Final Announcement
While reports indicate that Mosimane is the leading candidate, the appointment should be treated as reported rather than officially confirmed until SAFA makes its announcement.
Recent reporting has confirmed that SAFA planned to announce the new Bafana Bafana coach on August 8 following its NEC meeting.
If Mosimane is ultimately appointed, his return would immediately become one of the biggest stories in South African football.
For Bafana Bafana supporters, the question now is whether the experienced coach can take the team to another level and build on the foundation established during the Broos era.
All eyes are now on SAFA as the country awaits the official announcement.
