‘AFCON matters, World Cup matters, but…’ – Pitso outlines vision for Bafana

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Newly reappointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane. Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

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‘AFCON matters, World Cup matters, but…’ – Pitso outlines vision for Bafana

Sep 4, 2026 – 02:30 pm
By Siya Ndlela

New Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has opened up his comprehensive plan for the South African men’s senior national team, including plans for the AFCON and the FIFA World Cup.

Mosimane was unveiled as the new Bafana Bafana coach on Tuesday at SAFA house. He succeeds former head coach Hugo Broos, who held the helm for five years before decking again a 1 year renewal.

Broos claimed a bronze medal with Bafana at the 2023 AFCON and guided South Africa to the Last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this year.

Mosimane, who will lead South Africa through the AFCON qualifiers that kick off later this month, is expected to match or exceed these achievements.

“I want to package Hugo Broos, his technical team and the players that have travelled the journey,” Mosimane said during his unveiling.

“The team has set a new benchmark for Bafana, and we know where the benchmark is. My responsibility is to build on that foundation, take the forward and raise the stars further.

“When I presented my vision to SAFA, it went beyond the next match; it went beyond the FIFA window because the national window cannot switch on when the camp opens and switch off when the players go back to their clubs “

“We need to know our players, and we need to track our players in the 23s, when to feed and unearth talent. We need the right technical support teams for a clear football identity. Those are the most important things we need. This is how we compete for what is in front of us while we build for something that can sustain youth African football

“AFCON matters, the World Cup matters, very important, but our responsibility goes beyond any one tournament,” the coach said.

“South Africa belongs among the best in Africa and around the world.

“Wearing a Bafana jersey is earned, and it’s a culture.”

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor returns for his second permanent stint at the helm on what is believed to be a four-year deal. There is no honeymoon period, with his first assignments coming thick and fast in less than a month.

Mosimane must immediately steer Bafana through the opening rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with crucial, back-to-back group fixtures scheduled against Guinea and Eritrea.