From Rival Provocateur To National Unifier: Can Mosimane Win Over Pirates And Chiefs Faithfuls?
Newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane says he expects a mixed reaction from supporters, insisting that divided opinions are simply part of the job—noting that even serial winners like Carlo Ancelotti face constant debate.
Given his trophy-laden era at Mamelodi Sundowns, Mosimane accepts he will never be universally adored, particularly by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates faithfuls.
During his eight-year tenure in Pretoria, Mosimane frequently targeted the Soweto giants in the media—accusing referees of favoring them with “whistle decisions” and claiming they enjoyed an easier route to success.
His relentless mind games often rattled management, technical benches, and fanbases at both Naturena and Orlando during high-stakes title run-ins.
Appointed on Tuesday on a contract running through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Mosimane now hopes those same rival supporters will rally behind him as national team boss, even as he acknowledges he will not be everyone’s cup of tea.
“I have seen the fans supporting Bafana Bafana, but there will always be one or two who say whatever they want,” Mosimane said.
“Even among yourselves, right? It’s normal. This is football. In football, you can never be liked by everyone. Is Ancelotti the right person to coach Brazil? I think the Brazilians have different opinions about someone who has won more trophies than anyone else.”
“Zinedine Zidane is there—it’s a game of opinions,” he added. “Criticism is important because it stops us from resting on our laurels and getting comfortable.”
Mosimane previously led the national team between 2010 and 2012 before being relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Rustenburg.
However, the 62-year-old returns to SAFA House as a vastly transformed manager, having since dominated the continent with Egyptian giants Al Ahly—where he won two CAF Champions League titles, including a 3-0 final victory over Chiefs in 2021.
“A lot has happened in the 14 years since I was last here,” Mosimane reflected. “Remember, back then I hadn’t even won a Nedbank Cup, let alone a league title.”
“I don’t want to boast about what we’ve achieved, but it has been a long journey with 21 medals collected over those 14 years. We have four FIFA Club World Cup appearances under our belt—three with clubs and one with the national team. I don’t need to list every accolade, but the system is loaded enough now.
“For me criticism fuels me a lot.”
