Newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has credited predecessor Hugo Broos for resurrecting the national team’s credibility, insisting his primary objective is to build on the Belgian mentor’s high benchmark.
Fourteen years after his previous stint, Mosimane was officially unveiled as the new Bafana Bafana coach at SAFA House in Nasrec on Tuesday, taking over from Hugo Broos.
“Broos stepped down after a historic tenure, taking South Africa to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for their first-ever knockout appearance. He also led Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Ivory Coast, securing their first podium finish in over 20 years.
Unveiling the new coach to the media, SAFA president Danny Jordaan emphasised a renewed partnership between Mosimane and the association to serve the best interests of South African football.
Jordaan stated that SAFA’s ultimate objective under this new era is qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
PITSO MOSIMANE CONFIRMS HIS TECHNICAL TEAM AFTER OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Meanwhile, Mosimane confirmed that key members of his backroom staff—performance analyst Musi Matlaba and strength and conditioning coach Kabelo Rangoaga—will join his technical team, continuing a partnership that dates back to his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 62-year-old says plans are underway to bring in an assistant coach to complete the technical team.
“We are yet to fill the gap of the assistant coach who is coming. But it’s not very easy because we are still checking with the TD [Molefi Ntseki] to make sure that we bring the right person,” said Mosimane.
“The challenge for this level is that we need to bring coaches who work at the high level. But coaches are not easy to get. They have contracts and all that. So we are busy, and we will finalise that a little later.”
BAFANA BAFANA COACH WANTS TO IMPROVE ON THE STANDARD SET BY HUGO BROOS
Mosimane added that it is important for him and his team to raise the standard set by the Belgian mentor to the next level.
“I also want to acknowledge coach Hugo Broos, his technical team and more importantly the players who have travelled the journey with him,” he declared.
“The team has made important strides. They have given South Africa the reason to believe again. In doing so, it has set a new benchmark for Bafana Bafana, and we know where the benchmark is.
“My responsibility is to build on that foundation. To take the team forward and raise the standard even further.”
RELATED STORY: Bafana Bafana injury crisis deepens as Pitso Mosimane deal drags on
