South Africa reappoint Mosimane as head coach
September 1, 2026 12:13
Pitso Mosimane has been named head coach of South Africa's men's national team. The 62-year-old returns to the role he previously held from July 2010 to June 2012, replacing Hugo Broos, whose five-year spell ended when his contract expired at the end of July.
South Africa Football Association's executive committee approved the appointment on 8 August. Mosimane was presented to the media in Johannesburg after his contract and technical team were finalised.
KEY CONTEXT
- Mosimane’s first spell in charge ran from July 2010 to June 2012; during that period South Africa failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after a group-stage result was misread, and he left the post following a 1-1 home draw with Ethiopia in June 2012.
- After leaving the national team he built an accomplished club résumé with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian side Al Ahly, collecting three African Champions League titles.
- More recent managerial roles have taken him to Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Iran; his most recent job was with Iranian club Esteghlal.
- Hugo Broos led South Africa to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and to the last 32 at the 2024 World Cup, marking the country’s return to the finals for the first time since hosting in 2010.
WHY IT MATTERS
Mosimane returns with both previous national-team experience and a strong continental club record, including three African Champions League wins. That combination of international familiarity and recent club success is relevant as South Africa transitions from Broos’s five-year tenure, which included a notable AFCON podium finish and a World Cup campaign.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- How Mosimane integrates his newly finalised technical team with the national setup.
- The timeline and priorities Mosimane sets as he begins work with Bafana Bafana (the source confirms his unveiling but does not detail upcoming fixtures or plans).
KEY FACTS
- Age: 62.
- Previous South Africa manager: July 2010–June 2012.
- Appointment approved by SAFA executive committee on 8 August; unveiled in Johannesburg after contract finalisation.
- Replaces Hugo Broos, whose contract expired at the end of July after five years in charge.
- Mosimane has won the African Champions League three times with club sides and most recently managed Esteghlal in Iran.