by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Pitso Mosimane has wasted little time putting his stamp on Bafana Bafana after returning to the national team, bringing trusted members of his technical team into the setup as he begins his latest chapter in charge of South Africa.
Mosimane was officially unveiled as the new Bafana Bafana head coach on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, succeeding Belgian coach Hugo Broos. His appointment marks a return to the national team more than a decade after his first spell in charge.
The 62-year-old coach has initially brought in Musi Matlaba, who will work in performance analysis, and Kabelo Rangoaga, the conditioning coach who has worked alongside Mosimane for many years. The remainder of the technical team is still being finalised.
The decision to work with familiar personnel is consistent with Mosimane’s approach throughout his coaching career. Matlaba and Rangoaga have been part of his trusted football operation since his successful years at Mamelodi Sundowns and have subsequently worked with him in different coaching environments.
Speaking after his unveiling, Mosimane acknowledged the platform inherited from his predecessor while insisting that Bafana cannot afford to become comfortable.
His arrival represents a balancing act: preserving the progress made under Broos while introducing his own tactical philosophy and standards.
Mosimane’s coaching credentials give him considerable authority. Since his previous Bafana tenure, he has won three CAF Champions League titles and enjoyed major domestic success with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Mosimane’s first major task will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with South Africa’s fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea among the immediate challenges facing the new coach.
The return of Mosimane has generated huge interest among South African football supporters, particularly because of his previous success with the national team and his remarkable club career since leaving Bafana.
His first permanent spell as Bafana coach ended in 2012 after South Africa failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. Fourteen years later, he returns as a vastly more experienced coach, having established himself as one of Africa’s most decorated managers.
Now, with Matlaba and Rangoaga already alongside him and further appointments expected, Mosimane’s new Bafana era is taking shape.
