Pitso Mosimane is set to return as head coach of South Africa after the South African Football Association (SAFA) approved his appointment to replace Belgian coach Hugo Broos.
SAFA president Danny Jordaan confirmed on Saturday that the association’s national executive committee had approved Mosimane for the position, although negotiations over his salary are yet to be concluded.
“The executive has approved the appointment of coach Pitso, but we need to tie up some loose ends. We will make a formal announcement next week,” Jordaan said.
The 62-year-old will begin his second spell in charge of the Bafana Bafana, having previously coached the national team before his dismissal in 2012.
Mosimane went on to enjoy a highly successful club career after leaving the national team. He led Mamelodi Sundowns to several major honours, including the 2016 CAF Champions League title.
In 2020, he became the first sub-Saharan African coach to take charge of Egyptian giants Al Ahly and guided the club to consecutive CAF Champions League titles.
He later managed clubs in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates before most recently coaching Iranian side Esteghlal.
Mosimane, who earned four international caps as a player, also represented three South African clubs, including Sundowns, and had spells playing in Greece, Belgium and Qatar.
He returns to a South African team that made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Broos, reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 to finish second in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico before losing 1-0 to Canada in the last 32.
Broos, 74, resigned after the World Cup following five years in charge, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Mosimane’s immediate priority will be to guide South Africa through qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
South Africa are in Group D alongside Kenya, Guinea and Eritrea. Kenya, as a co-host, have already secured automatic qualification but will participate in the qualifiers for competitive preparation.
The other three teams will battle for the group’s remaining qualification spot.
South Africa will host Guinea and travel to Eritrea in September before facing Kenya twice in November. They will then travel to Guinea and host Eritrea in March.
