Pitso Mosimane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Bafana Bafana, the South African Football Association announced on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. The appointment comes after the departure of Hugo Broos following South Africa’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign and places one of the country’s most accomplished football coaches back in charge of the national team.
Mosimane was unveiled during a press conference at SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg. His immediate priority will be preparing Bafana Bafana for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with South Africa set to face Guinea and Eritrea next month.
The appointment is significant for Gauteng, where SAFA is headquartered and where many of the national team’s activities, camps and media events are hosted. It also marks Mosimane’s second permanent spell as national team coach after previously leading Bafana Bafana between 2010 and 2012.
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SAFA Confirms Mosimane’s Return
The South African Football Association confirmed Mosimane’s appointment during a media briefing held at SAFA House on Tuesday morning.
Mosimane replaces Belgian coach Hugo Broos, whose tenure ended after the FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Broos guided South Africa to the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in the country’s history before leaving the national team.
Speaking after his appointment, Mosimane said leading Bafana Bafana again was both an honour and a responsibility.
“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 added that the position carries expectations beyond football.
“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.”
A Familiar Face Returns To The National Team
Mosimane is no stranger to the Bafana Bafana setup.
He first served as caretaker coach in 2007 before being appointed permanently from 2010 until 2012.
His first spell ended after South Africa failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Since then, Mosimane has built one of the most decorated coaching careers on the African continent.
His coaching achievements include domestic league titles, CAF Champions League success and experience managing clubs across Africa and the Middle East.
His return brings extensive international experience back to the national team at a crucial stage of its development.
Attention Turns to AFCON 2027 Qualification
Mosimane has little time before his first competitive assignment.
According to SAFA, Bafana Bafana will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign next month.
South Africa’s opening fixtures are:
- Guinea
- Eritrea
These matches will determine the early direction of Bafana’s qualification campaign as they seek a place at the continental tournament.
Preparing the squad, selecting players and implementing his football philosophy will be among Mosimane’s immediate priorities.
High Expectations After Hugo Broos’ Tenure
Mosimane inherits a national team that arrives with renewed confidence following its performances under Hugo Broos.
The Belgian coach helped restore stability to Bafana Bafana and guided South Africa to one of its strongest World Cup campaigns.
Maintaining that momentum while introducing his own tactical approach will be one of Mosimane’s biggest challenges.
His appointment also places expectations on SAFA to provide the resources and long term planning needed to sustain recent progress.
Why The Appointment Matters for Gauteng
The announcement carries particular significance for Gauteng.
SAFA House in Nasrec remains the administrative headquarters of South African football and serves as the base for many national team activities.
Major Bafana Bafana media events, squad announcements and training preparations regularly take place in Johannesburg.
With the national team preparing for important AFCON qualifiers, football supporters across Gauteng are expected to closely follow developments over the coming weeks.
The province also remains home to several players competing for national selection as well as stadiums capable of hosting future international fixtures.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Mosimane’s appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter for Bafana Bafana ahead of a busy international calendar.
For Gauteng residents, the announcement means:
- Increased national team activity centred around SAFA House in Johannesburg.
- Greater public interest in the upcoming AFCON qualifying fixtures.
- Possible national team camps and media events taking place in Gauteng.
- Continued focus on South African football following the team’s World Cup progress.
Supporters will now be watching closely as Mosimane names his first squad and begins preparations for the qualifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Bafana Bafana coach?
Pitso Mosimane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Bafana Bafana.
Why did Hugo Broos leave?
Broos left the national team after South Africa’s FIFA World Cup campaign, during which Bafana reached the knockout stages for the first time.
When did Pitso Mosimane previously coach Bafana Bafana?
Mosimane served as caretaker coach in 2007 before coaching the national team permanently from 2010 until 2012.
Who will Bafana Bafana play next?
South Africa is scheduled to face Guinea and Eritrea in the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign next month.
Where was Mosimane unveiled?
He was officially introduced as head coach during a press conference at SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
Looking Ahead
Pitso Mosimane returns to the Bafana Bafana bench at an important moment for South African football. With AFCON qualification beginning next month, his appointment gives the national team an experienced coach familiar with both the expectations of South African supporters and the demands of international football.
Attention will now shift to his first squad selection and South Africa’s opening qualifying fixtures, which will offer an early indication of the direction Bafana Bafana will take under his leadership.
