The South African Football Association’s national executive committee has approved Pitso Mosimane’s appointment as the new Bafana Bafana head coach, although financial terms and the make-up of his technical staff are yet to be agreed.
Mosimane has reached an agreement in principle to succeed Hugo Broos, whose contract ended last month. However, he has not yet signed his contract, with discussions continuing over his remuneration.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach’s representatives are seeking a package matching the one previously awarded to Broos. Safa expects the remaining issues to be resolved before making a formal announcement next week.
Safa president Danny Jordaan confirmed the NEC’s decision in a statement on Saturday.
“The NEC has approved the appointment of coach Pitso to Bafana Bafana, but we still need to tie up some loose ends. We will make a formal announcement on the coach next week,” said Jordaan.
The parties must also settle the composition of Mosimane’s coaching and backroom teams in the coming days.
If appointed as expected, Mosimane will have little time to prepare for his first competitive assignment. South Africa are due to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Guinea next month, with the match taking place in South Africa.
Bafana Bafana will be under pressure to make a strong start as they attempt to qualify for the tournament, which will be hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The appointment would mark Mosimane’s return to the national team more than a decade after his first spell in charge. He was previously part of Carlos Alberto Parreira’s coaching staff during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, when South Africa became the first host nation to fail to progress from the group stage.
Mosimane then took over as Bafana Bafana head coach and managed the team from 2010 to 2012. He was dismissed after South Africa failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Despite that setback, Mosimane has since established himself as one of Africa’s most successful coaches. He has won almost 20 major trophies, including three Caf Champions League titles and five league championships with Mamelodi Sundowns.
His honours also include two bronze medals at the Fifa Club World Cup during his time in charge of Egyptian club Al Ahly.
Mosimane has also worked outside South Africa, managing Al-Ahli Saudi and Abha Club in Saudi Arabia, Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates and Esteghlal FC in Iran.
Bafana Bafana are fresh from their best-ever World Cup performance, having reached the knockout stages of the 2026 tournament for the first time. Their next priority is now securing a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Mosimane expected to lead that campaign once the final contractual details have been completed.