EXCLUSIVE: How Pitso Mosimane can elevate Bafana Bafana beyond Hugo Broos’s legacy, according to Quinton Fortune

The swift appointment of Pitso Mosimane following Hugo Broos’s departure gives Bafana Bafana a clear run to build for the future, and former South Africa international Quinton Fortune has some sage advice on where to start.

“Hugo Broos did such a good job, but there is one specific area where the next manager can improve,” Fortune told IOL in an exclusive interview, courtesy of Premier Bet.

Broos officially stepped down from his post on July 31, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) unveiled Mosimane a week later. While national coaching appointments often drag on for months, SAFA acted with decisive speed—a clear sign that Mosimane was their primary target long before the public announcement.

Broos leaves behind a celebrated legacy from his five years at the helm. He guided the national team to their first FIFA World Cup qualification since 2002—excluding their automatic berth as 2010 hosts—and led them into the tournament’s knockout stages for the first time in history. He also masterminded Bafana’s third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, securing their best result at the tournament since 2000.

Hugo Broos’s Tenure: Missing the South African Football Psyche

Despite those milestones, Fortune believes there was one subtle element missing during Broos’s tenure.

“I was fortunate to cover the World Cup with Benni McCarthy and Aaron Mokoena, and we discussed how Hugo perhaps lacked a deep understanding of the South African football psyche—specifically, the need to let players express their innate flair,” Fortune explained.

“When I picture a South African footballer, I think of skill and natural ability first. You have to give them the confidence to express themselves, just like any top player in world football. At the same time, when you face international opposition, you must defend and attack as a unit. Every single player has to put a shift in—unless you’re Lionel Messi, but that’s a different story. Striking that balance between structure and freedom is the real challenge.”

Looking ahead, Fortune remains optimistic that Mosimane can elevate Bafana Bafana to even greater heights.

“I just want Bafana to succeed—not just to qualify for major tournaments, but to target quarter-finals, semi-finals, and beyond. Achieving that level of success will take meticulous planning.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport