Fresh start, big dreams: Pitso Mosimane embraces sentimental Bafana homecoming

Pitso Mosimane is back where he has always wanted to be. That is why he knows that nothing short of immediate results and returning the team to the pinnacle of African football will be regarded as a successful homecoming.

Appointed as the new Bafana Bafana coach earlier this month, Mosimane returns to the post 14 years after his first stint. With his initial tenure having been marred by poor results that led to his dismissal, Mosimane is eager to make up for lost ground.

Building on his extensive experience of working and succeeding in the local top flight and abroad, Mosimane spent his time — having been unemployed since late 2024 — following Bafana and analysing their historic World Cup knockout stage finish as a fan.

While he also used his time away to launch the Pitso Mosimane School Football Academy — which focuses on nurturing and moulding the next generation of superstars — and his podcast, Changing the Game with Pitso Mosimane, he remained open to returning to his first love: coaching.

He admitted to being courted by several clubs, both on the continent and abroad. However, Mosimane played the waiting game for the perfect suitor: SAFA. He heeded the call on 1 September, a month after Hugo Broos’ contract ended.

“By the way, I have always wanted to be the coach here. This is not a coincidence. I wanted this. I worked hard for it, and I even made presentations on why I am the right man to lead the team forward and what I would do to achieve that,” Mosimane said.

“The presentation was based on where the team is, where it was, its strengths and weaknesses, where we think we should improve, and whether we have the right tools to achieve our objectives.”

“As much as the AFCONs are important, the main picture is the World Cup. So, it’s a matter of how you work ahead without neglecting what is in front of you, because if you don’t do it well, you will trip.”

Right in front of Mosimane are the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. He begins his second tenure with a clash against Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, before facing Eritrea at a neutral Al Salam Stadium in Cairo four days later. He’ll stay in Cairo to face the Pharaohs in an international friendly on October 4.

Returning to Orlando carries deep sentimental value for Mosimane. The township is the birthplace of his mother, and he previously played for Orlando Pirates during a distinguished career that also included spells at Jomo Cosmos and Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won multiple trophies as a coach.

“My [professional] debut was at the old Orlando Stadium. It has evolved since then,” Mosimane reflected. “Now it’s the Orlando [Amstel] Arena – we must give it its proper name. It’s good.”

“I have never worked in Joburg at club level; I have always been a Pretoria boy, raised there. So, it has a sentimental aspect to it. But more than that, Soweto people come out to matches even during the week. So, Saturday will be good.”

Mosimane hopes that the winning culture Pirates established at Orlando will continue with Bafana, launching a four-year period that will see the team not only qualify for major tournaments, but compete strongly in them.

For his first squad since returning, Mosimane has named a balanced blend of seniors, returnees, and youth. He is energised by the mix, believing it will foster continuity and bring a fresh perspective across the board.

“I want to give a chance to a youngster who wants to go to the World Cup. That’s what inspires me,” Mosimane stated, referencing Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is plying his trade in the MLS.

“Do you see the pathway? You are playing there in the US with [Robert] Lewandowski, but Oswin Appollis is right in front of you. Are you aware? What are you going to do about it? It’s exciting, right?”

“Tashreeq Matthews is working hard and has been doing well. Yes, I want him to score more, but he is scoring now. It’s exciting. I like competition.”

Healthy competition is exactly what Mosimane needs. It will drive his players to elevate their performance with each passing game, ensuring that Mosimane’s grand return is a resounding success.