Pitso Mosimane has been appointed South Africa’s head coach for a second time, replacing Hugo Broos after the Belgian brought an end to his successful five-year spell in charge of Bafana Bafana.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the long-awaited appointment on Tuesday, handing one of Africa’s most decorated coaches the task of building on the progress made under Broos.

Mosimane, affectionately known as “Jingles”, returns to the national team after a glittering club career that established him among the continent’s elite managers. The 56-year-old won three CAF Champions League titles and now takes charge of a South Africa side revitalised in recent years.

His first assignment will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with opening matches against Guinea and Eritrea scheduled for September.

• Broos leaves a transformed team

Mosimane succeeds Broos, who opted not to renew his contract after restoring South Africa’s fortunes following his appointment in 2021.

The 74-year-old rebuilt a struggling national team by placing his faith in a new generation of players, helping Bafana Bafana reconnect with supporters after several disappointing years.

His greatest achievement came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where South Africa secured a bronze-medal finish – their best performance at the tournament in more than two decades.

Broos also guided the team to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving his successor with a stable squad and heightened expectations.

• A demanding task awaits

Few African coaches boast a record comparable to Mosimane’s.

He enjoyed sustained success with Mamelodi Sundowns before enhancing his reputation at Al Ahly, where he added further continental honours.

His return gives South Africa the opportunity to combine the foundations laid by Broos with Mosimane’s own attacking philosophy and winning pedigree.

The challenge will be immediate.
South Africa have been drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea and 2027 AFCON co-hosts Kenya. Although Kenya are guaranteed a place at the finals as hosts, Bafana Bafana will need a strong start, with qualification likely to hinge on their early results against Guinea and Eritrea.

Mosimane’s second spell in charge therefore begins with little room for error as he seeks to guide South Africa back to consistent success on the continental stage.