**Pitso Mosimane Appointed as South Africa's National Football Coach Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers**
South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, has officially appointed Pitso Mosimane as its new head coach, as announced on September 1, 2026. This decision comes 24 days after the South African Football Association (SAFA) approved his appointment on August 8. Mosimane replaces Hugo Broos, who recently retired after guiding the team to the knockout stages of the World Cup held in North America earlier this year.
SAFA president Danny Jordaan had indicated that there were some details to finalize before the announcement could be made, but the delay in confirming Mosimane's appointment was longer than anticipated. The new coach faces a tight schedule, with only 23 days to prepare the national squad for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea.
Guinea, while not qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, features notable talent, including Serhou Guirassy, a prominent striker currently playing for Borussia Dortmund in Germany. This match will be crucial for South Africa as they aim to establish a strong start in the qualifiers.
Pitso Mosimane, 62, is no stranger to the role, having previously managed the national team from 2010 to 2012. However, his initial tenure was marked by challenges, including failing to qualify for the 2012 AFCON and being dismissed following a disappointing draw against Ethiopia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. During that period, the team faced significant embarrassment when they celebrated a draw against Sierra Leone, mistakenly believing they had qualified for the tournament, only to later realize they had misunderstood the qualification rules.
Despite his earlier struggles with the national team, Mosimane has enjoyed considerable success at the club level. He is recognized for his achievements with Mamelodi Sundowns, with whom he won the CAF Champions League, and later with Al Ahly in Cairo, where he secured the title twice. His accomplishments also include winning the CAF Super Cup three times, making him the most successful Black coach in the history of CAF club competitions, trailing only behind Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, who holds eight titles with Al Ahly.
Mosimane's coaching career has also taken him beyond Africa, with stints in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. His contract with the South African national team extends until the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
As Mosimane steps back into the role of head coach, there are high expectations for his leadership and the potential revival of South African football on the international stage. The upcoming AFCON qualifiers will serve as a significant test for both him and the team as they aim to make a mark in the continental competition.