Mosimane Ready To Sign Bafana Contract To Chase AFCON Title
Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed that his desire to return as Bafana Bafana coach is driven by his ambition to win the Africa Cup of Nations, the only major trophy missing from his illustrious coaching career.
The veteran coach is currently unattached after leaving Iranian side Esteghlal FC in January 2025, having parted ways with the club over unpaid salaries. Since then, he has been linked with several coaching opportunities, including a possible return to the South African national team.
Mosimane has enjoyed unprecedented success in South African and African club football, winning almost every major trophy on offer. His honours include multiple domestic league titles and three CAF Champions League crowns, achieved with both Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
However, one achievement has continued to elude him throughout his decorated career — winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
His comments come at a time when the future of current Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos remains uncertain. Sportswire recently reported that Mosimane has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed the Belgian should the South African Football Association decide to make a coaching change.
The prospect of his return has also received political backing after Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly endorsed Mosimane on SABC Sport as the ideal candidate to replace Broos.
Speaking on SMWX in February 2026, Mosimane said winning the AFCON with Bafana Bafana would complete his coaching journey.
“Myself, I’m interested because I’ll tell you one thing. Maybe it’s the medal that I want to complete, to close everything,” he said.
“That’s the medal I don’t have on the continent. I would love to do that with Bafana and win the AFCON. That’s the one I want. That would be so historic. It’s possible.
“It would be a full-circle moment. But I’m not campaigning. The football association will appoint whoever they believe is the right person. But if you asked me today, if you were to sign the contract, I’d sign it today.”
Mosimane previously served as Bafana Bafana’s head coach from July 2010 to June 2012 after being appointed on a four-year contract on 15 July 2010.
His first stint ended specifically after a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, which followed the infamous mathematical miscalculation against Sierra Leone that cost Bafana Bafana a spot at the 2012 AFCON.
Before taking over the national team on a permanent basis, Mosimane also served as Bafana Bafana’s caretaker coach for seven matches in 2007. He further strengthened his international coaching experience by working as an assistant to Carlos Alberto Parreira and Joel Santana.
