South Africa could begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign without a permanent head coach, with Pitso Mosimane and the South African Football Association (SAFA) still unable to reach an agreement over his proposed appointment.
The impasse comes several weeks after Mosimane reportedly rejected a salary package worth R5 million a year. Although financial terms are no longer believed to be the main obstacle, discussions between the coach and SAFA remain unresolved.
SAFA’s national executive committee (NEC) recommended Mosimane for the Bafana Bafana position, but that decision was made without first consulting the 62-year-old coach. Mosimane has since set out his requirements to the association as negotiations continue.
The central disagreement now concerns the composition of his backroom team. Reports indicate that Mosimane wants fitness trainer Kabelo Rangoaga and analyst Musi Matlaba to receive permanent contracts as part of his technical staff.
There are also unresolved questions about the future of members of the coaching structure who worked under former head coach Hugo Broos. Goalkeeping coach Grant Johnson is among those whose positions may be affected by any changes.
Helman Mkhalele’s situation is also uncertain. He served as Broos’ assistant for five years, but it remains unclear whether he would stay in the Bafana Bafana setup if Mosimane takes charge.
The association is understood to be divided over Mosimane’s wish to bring in his own staff and remove those who have been involved in the national team’s existing coaching arrangement. That disagreement has contributed to the delay in confirming the next permanent manager.
SAFA is under increasing pressure to resolve the matter because South Africa’s 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures are approaching. Bafana Bafana are scheduled to host Guinea in September before travelling to Eritrea for their second qualifying match.
It is not known whether the outstanding issues will be settled before those two important fixtures. Unless an agreement is reached soon, South Africa may have to prepare for the start of the qualifying campaign without a permanent coach in place.
Mosimane’s prospective appointment follows the NEC’s recommendation, but the lack of agreement over his staff means the process remains incomplete. The salary issue that initially appeared to be a major barrier has reportedly been set aside, leaving the structure of the coaching team as the key point of contention between the coach and SAFA.
The uncertainty also leaves the futures of those who worked closely with Broos unresolved, including Johnson and Mkhalele, while Mosimane continues to seek assurances over the people he wants around him.
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