Pitso Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana hot seat has already generated plenty of debate, but former coach Owen da Gama believes the South African deserves time to establish himself.
Mosimane began his second spell in charge with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, but questions have already emerged over his team selections, tactical approach and the number of players with Mamelodi Sundowns connections in his squad.
Da Gama, however, believes it is too early to draw firm conclusions after just one match.
Da Gama points to Broos’ example
According to Da Gama, Mosimane should receive the same opportunity to implement his ideas that Hugo Broos enjoyed during his time with Bafana Bafana.
Broos was given time to build his team and develop his approach before eventually guiding South Africa to significant progress.
Da Gama believes Mosimane should be allowed a similar process.
“I just feel sometimes we are being unfair to Pitso because he’s a South African,” Da Gama told Kick Off.
The former Orlando Pirates coach argued that Broos also made changes during his tenure that could have attracted criticism, but the Belgian was given an opportunity to work through them.
“There are a lot of other things Hugo Broos did and changes he made that people overlooked. We need to understand that Pitso has got to do things his way. He needs a chance. I mean, it was his first game.”
Mosimane facing early scrutiny
Mosimane’s appointment has naturally brought high expectations given his previous success with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
His first match ended with three points, but the performance has not prevented debate around his selections.
Some supporters have questioned whether his familiarity with Sundowns players and their style has influenced his approach to the national team.
Da Gama believes such questions are legitimate, but says they should be asked constructively rather than becoming an immediate judgement on Mosimane’s tenure.
“We can’t criticise everything he says or does,” he said.
The former coach added that criticism should remain objective and focus on areas that can help Bafana improve.
“Yes, there are questions that have got to be asked, but they have got to be constructive and objective. He didn’t have much time with the players.”
Adapting to different football philosophies
Another challenge for Mosimane is bringing together players who operate under very different tactical systems at club level.
South Africa’s leading clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, have their own football philosophies and coaching methods.
Players moving between those environments must regularly adapt to different tactical demands.
The same applies when they join the national team.
Mosimane therefore has the task of developing a system that allows players from different clubs to operate effectively together while establishing his own Bafana identity.
Time will tell
Mosimane’s opening victory over Guinea has given his tenure a positive start on paper, but the next stages will provide a clearer indication of his plans.
With important 2027 AFCON qualifiers ahead, the coach will need to balance immediate results with the longer-term development of the national team.
For Da Gama, the message is straightforward: assess Mosimane’s decisions, but give him the opportunity to implement them before reaching conclusions.
The former coach believes Bafana supporters should judge the new era with constructive questions, patience and an understanding that building a national team takes time.
