By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) on Tuesday, 01 September 2026, announced the return of Pitso Mosimane as the Bafana Bafana head coach.
Mosimane’s appointment was ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of SAFA.
He will replace Hugo Broos, who left his post after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The Belgian led South Africa to the knockout round of the global showpiece for the first time in their history.
Mosimane is set for a second permanent stint in charge of the national team, having previously led Bafana Bafana from 2010 to 2012.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan said they expected to officially unveil him the following week. However, the plan did not materialise.
“I have known Pitso for many years and have worked with him before. I look forward to renewing our partnership and continuing to work in the best interests of South African football and Bafana Bafana,” he said.
In his acceptance speech during a press conference at the SAFA House in Nasrec, Mosimane expressed his delight at making his return at the helm of Bafana.
“I want to thank the president of the federation, Danny Jordaan, and the SAFA leadership for entrusting us with this opportunity.”
“Today is a special day for me in my football career. I have learnt that there are moments in the game that are bigger than me, the game, and this is one of those moments. I have been allowed to lead the national team 14 years later, and I appreciate it.”
After a misunderstanding of the rules led Bafana Bafana to believe they had qualified for AFCON 2012 when they had, in fact, failed to do so, Mosimane’s first stint in charge unravelled. After his sacking in June 2012, he spectacularly revived his career in an eight-year stint at Mamelodi Sundowns which included the 2016 CAF Champions League.
Mosimane went on to win two more CAF Champions League titles with Egypt’s Al Ahly in a stint which also ultimately served as a bridge to a spell coaching in the Middle East. ‘Jingles’, as he is affectionately known, coached Saudi’s Al Ahli and Abha, the UAE’s Al Wahda and Iran’s Esteghlal.