Bafana Bafana legend Sibusiso Zuma has thrown his full weight behind Pitso Mosimane’s return to the national team, explaining why the veteran coach’s approach will spark an immediate turnaround in squad selection.
Barring any late changes, Mosimane will replace Hugo Broos, who stepped down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history.
The veteran Belgian coach revitalised Bafana during a transformative five-year tenure. Now it’s Mosimane’s turn to steer the ship, following Broos’ largely successful reign.
Mosimane is no stranger to the Bafana Bafana set-up, having previously coached the national team between 2010 and 2012.
Since then, his reputation has grown considerably. His greatest achievements have come at club level, particularly with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
Mosimane guided Sundowns to their historic CAF Champions League triumph in 2016, before moving to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, where he won the Champions League in 2020 and 2021.
His success at club level has made him one of South Africa’s most decorated coaches, increasing expectations around his return to the national team.
BAFANA LEGEND ZUMA BACKS MOSIMANE TO REWARD DESERVING PLAYERS AND STRENGTHEN BAFANA BAFANA SELECTION
Zuma’s remarks came just before Broos took a swipe at Mosimane, who is set to take over as Bafana coach. The Belgian said SAFA’s decision to appoint Mosimane would stall Bafana Bafana’s progression in terms of player selection.
In a blunt outburst to the media recently, Broos revealed he had to shut the door on many agents who called to influence his selections. Shockingly, he believes Mosimane will fall into the same trap.
“Maybe so. You know, South Africa still doesn’t have a manager. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach. However, they know that if he comes, they will go back five years in time. Club owners and agents calling managers to influence the squad. I kicked them all out. If one called, I said bluntly: ‘I don’t talk with agents,’” said Broos.
And Zuma, who made 67 Bafana Bafana appearances and scored 13 goals, believes there is no better time for Mosimane’s return than now.
Zuma told FARPost in an interview that Mosimane is not ‘biased’, and therefore team selection will improve. He believes Mosimane will give players like Gift Links and Luther Singh the recognition they deserve.
“He [Pitso Mosimane] is not biased, and I know him as someone who is keen to reward players that are deserving, and that is what we need at the moment,” Zuma told FARPost.
“There is no better time for him to take charge of the team. Of course, there are players who did not get recognised previously despite working hard and deserving it.
“Most importantly, there is belief in him that he will make the team even better. With his qualities, there is obviously going to be a massive improvement in terms of team selection, which I strongly believe will improve our team.”
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