Pitso Mosimane has returned to the Bafana Bafana head coach role 14 years after his initial departure, looking to schedule elite international friendlies ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The 62-year-old manager takes over following the departure of Hugo Broos, aiming to test his squad against the continent’s top-ranked teams rather than opting for easier fixtures.
Preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
Mosimane was reappointed by the South Africa Football Association executive committee after Broos stepped down when his contract expired at the end of July 2026. Looking ahead to the continental tournament, the coach stressed that facing demanding opposition is necessary to raise intensity and expose weaknesses.
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It’s easy to play a friendly you can always win; let’s play Egypt, come on, let’s do it right – and I also know my fate 14 years ago, because my challenge, I stacked, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Ghana, the top six in the continent, I put them in my friendlies to prepare,
Mosimane said.
Risking Reputation Through Tough Opposition
During his first stint in charge, which concluded without qualification for the 2012 AFCON, Mosimane arranged fixtures against formidable opponents, drawing criticism and scrutiny when results did not go the team’s way. Despite those past experiences, he remains willing to put his reputation on the line again.
Am I doing the same thing again with these friendly games? We can get someone where we can score five goals, and then we can always say we turned the corner, right?
Mosimane questioned, before adding, I believe you need to do it right and it might not go well but it’s part of life, that’s me in football, when it’s easy and comfortable, I get bored, I need the rush, I need to be on the edge a little bit – that’s who I am.
Upcoming Competitive Fixtures
As preparations continue under the new technical team, Orlando Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for Mosimane’s first match back in charge. South Africa is scheduled to host Guinea for their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier on 26 September 2026.
