Pitso Mosimane has officially begun his second spell as Bafana Bafana head coach, with the national team completing its opening training sessions ahead of a busy international window.
The squad assembled in Johannesburg on Sunday before moving to the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park campus on Monday, where Mosimane began putting his plans into action on the training pitch.
The new Bafana mentor has inherited a team that enjoyed a strong 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign under former coach Hugo Broos. Rather than making wholesale changes, Mosimane has indicated that he wants to build on the existing foundation while gradually introducing his own tactical ideas and standards.
Mosimane sets the tone
The coach was reportedly encouraged by how quickly the squad came together, with locally based players arriving on time and several overseas-based internationals also joining camp early.
Mosimane has placed emphasis on humility, hunger and maintaining high standards, insisting that recent success should not lead to complacency.
The opening sessions have given the players their first opportunity to adapt to the coach’s methods as he prepares them for three matches in a demanding nine-day period.
However, the camp has already suffered an injury setback.
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe arrived with an ankle injury sustained during his club’s weekend match. Following medical assessments and scans, Maboe was withdrawn from the squad.
His absence resulted in an opportunity for Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi, who was called up as his replacement.
New-look technical team takes shape
While the players have been getting accustomed to Mosimane’s approach, changes have also been made to the technical setup.
Goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo has joined the national team on a part-time basis, while Tshepo Mahao has been brought in as an assistant analyst and Goolam Valodia as an opposition analyst.
They form part of a technical team that also includes assistant coaches Morena Ramoreboli, Musa Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaga.
The setup reflects Mosimane’s stated focus on developing South African coaching and technical talent while strengthening the team’s preparation and analysis.
Guinea provides first test
Mosimane’s immediate priority is the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.
Bafana Bafana will face Guinea at Orlando Stadium before travelling to Cairo for their clash with Eritrea. They will then round off the international window with a friendly against Egypt.
With little time available to implement new ideas, Mosimane’s first four training sessions have provided an early look at how he intends to shape Bafana Bafana during his second stint.
Bafana Bafana fixtures
- Guinea: Saturday, 26 September 2026 at 15:00 SAST — 2027 AFCON qualifier, Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg.
- Eritrea: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 18:00 SAST — 2027 AFCON qualifier, Al-Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt.
- Egypt: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 20:00 SAST — International friendly, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo.
