Pitso Mosimane Returns as South Africa Coach Facing Tight AFCON Qualifier Deadline

South Africa has officially confirmed Pitso Mosimane as the new national football team coach, stepping in to replace the retiring Hugo Broos. The appointment comes 24 days after the national football association initially approved the decision, following minor delays addressed by association president Danny Jordaan.

Mosimane succeeds the 74-year-old Belgian Hugo Broos, who retired following a historic World Cup campaign that saw South Africa reach the knockout stages in North America earlier this year. Now, Mosimane faces a remarkably tight timeline, with just 23 days to prepare Bafana Bafana for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea at home. Guinea features prominent European-based talent, including Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.

This marks a return for the 62-year-old former South Africa striker, who previously managed the team for a turbulent two-year stint starting in 2010. That prior tenure ended following a failure to qualify for the 2012 AFCON and a subsequent dismissal after a draw against Ethiopia in 2014 World Cup qualifying.

Despite his mixed international history, Mosimane boasts an exceptional club coaching record. He captured the CAF Champions League once with Mamelodi Sundowns and twice with Al Ahly, alongside three CAF Super Cups. These six titles establish him as the most successful Black coach in CAF club competitions, trailing only Portuguese manager Manuel Jose, who secured eight titles with Al Ahly.

Following his tenure with Cairo-based Al Ahly, Mosimane managed teams across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. His new contract with South Africa extends through the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted across Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.