Da Cruz Backs Mosimane Bafana Appointment
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has backed Pitso Mosimane’s return as Bafana Bafana coach, saying the South African veteran’s impressive club career and trophy-winning record give him the credentials to take charge of the national team once again.
Mosimane was officially announced as the new Bafana Bafana head coach on Tuesday, returning to the position after previously leading the national team between 2010 and 2012.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach replaces Belgian Hugo Broos, who leaves behind a strong legacy after guiding South Africa to successive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and helping the team secure a bronze medal at one of those competitions.
Broos also played a key role in helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although his tenure did not produce a major trophy with the national team.
Da Cruz, who has experience working within a national-team setup after serving as Technical Director of the Morocco national team, believes Mosimane deserves the opportunity to build his own team.
“He is a coach who has been successful at club level and has won many trophies, so for me, he has legitimacy in this appointment,” Da Cruz said.
“I also think it is a good thing to appoint a local coach with experience and competence, so I see it in a positive light.
“But it is always the same situation. He inherits something from the previous coach, Hugo Broos, and I think he will need to be given some time so that, little by little, he can put his own stamp on the team.”
Da Cruz was asked about Mosimane’s appointment partly because of his own experience working with a national team. The French coach had a brief pre-season stint with Chiefs in 2024 before moving into the Morocco national-team setup as Technical Director, a position he held until June 2026 before returning to Chiefs as head coach.
Mosimane returns this time with considerably more experience and an extensive trophy cabinet built largely during successful spells with Sundowns and Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
The 62-year-old has won three CAF Champions League titles during his managerial career, lifting the prestigious continental trophy once with Sundowns and twice with Al Ahly. He has also gained valuable experience coaching outside Africa, further strengthening his credentials ahead of his return to the national-team job.
Mosimane’s first major assignment will be guiding Bafana Bafana through the qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON.
His first match back in charge is scheduled for September 23, when South Africa will host Guinea. The encounter will provide the veteran coach with his first opportunity to begin shaping the national team according to his vision.
