Pitso Mosimane is set to return as South Africa head coach, with the experienced manager expected to succeed Belgian Hugo Broos.
South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan has confirmed that Mosimane is the federation’s preferred choice, although some final matters still need to be settled before the appointment can be completed.
Jordaan said an official announcement is expected next week, paving the way for Mosimane to begin a second spell in charge of Bafana Bafana.
The 62-year-old previously managed South Africa between 2010 and 2012, having earlier worked as an assistant to Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira during the 2010 World Cup campaign.
Mosimane’s first tenure ended after a difficult beginning to South Africa’s qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup. He also came under pressure after the country failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations following a misunderstanding of the tournament’s qualification regulations.
Despite those setbacks, Mosimane went on to establish himself as one of the most successful African coaches at club level.
His reputation was significantly enhanced during his time with Mamelodi Sundowns, whom he guided to the CAF Champions League title in 2016.
Mosimane subsequently moved to Egypt to take charge of Al Ahly, one of the continent’s biggest clubs. He led the Egyptian side to three successive Champions League finals and secured the trophy in 2020 and 2021.
His managerial career has also taken him outside Africa, with spells in charge of clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran adding to his experience.
That record has now put Mosimane in line for a return to the South African national team, following Broos’ departure.
Broos, 74, recently left his position after South Africa’s World Cup campaign came to an end in the last 32. Bafana Bafana were eliminated after losing to co-hosts Canada.
Mosimane’s potential appointment would give him an immediate competitive challenge, with South Africa due to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign next month.
The proposed return would start with matches against Guinea and Eritrea. South Africa are scheduled to host Guinea before travelling to face Eritrea away.
Those fixtures would provide Mosimane with his first opportunity to begin reshaping the national side if his appointment is formally confirmed.
The prospect of Mosimane returning to the position comes more than a decade after his first spell ended. Since then, his achievements at club level have significantly strengthened his standing.
His Champions League success with Sundowns and Al Ahly represents the strongest part of his coaching record and has established him as a manager with extensive experience of high-level African competition.
The South African Football Association has identified him as the preferred candidate, but the federation still has some final details to resolve before the appointment can be officially announced.
If those matters are completed as expected, Mosimane will return to the national team with a considerably different coaching profile from the one he had when his first tenure ended in 2012.
His immediate focus will be on preparing South Africa for the 2027 Afcon qualifiers, with Guinea and Eritrea providing the first tests of his second spell.
For Mosimane, the proposed appointment represents an opportunity to lead Bafana Bafana again after rebuilding his reputation and achieving major success at club level.
For South Africa, his return would bring back a coach whose career since leaving the national team has included two Champions League triumphs with Al Ahly and another continental title with Sundowns.
