Pitso Mosimane returns as Bafana Bafana coach with a renewed vision

Fourteen years can be either a short or long time in football. That period has certainly served as the latter for Pitso Mosimane, but he is not complaining. He has used it to hone his craft, reflect, and gain wisdom.

Resplendent in a black suit and light blue shirt, Mosimane, who signed a four-year deal, was officially unveiled as the new Bafana Bafana coach at Safa headquarters in Nasrec on Tuesday, cutting a composed figure throughout the proceedings.

Mosimane appeared untroubled that his official presentation had been delayed by nearly a month, as his representatives and Safa navigated salary negotiations following Hugo Broos’ departure.

He was his usual self, preaching humility and highlighting the privilege of leading Bafana 14 years after his initial sacking following a poor stint – one that included the infamous “Dance of Shame” when the team mistakenly thought they had qualified for the 2012 Afcon.

Known for his candid nature and direct speech, Mosimane was more reserved on the day. He repeatedly thanked all involved for enabling his return to serve his nation, including predecessor Hugo Broos.

Broos ensured Mosimane inherited a team in a strong position. He established a competitive and disciplined environment that secured back-to-back Afcon qualifications and a place at the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Given his own blunt style, Broos did not hold back in praising Mosimane’s successful track record, though he cautioned that his successor might undo five years of hard work by entertaining outside noise, particularly from agents seeking national team selections for their players.

A Mosimane of 14 years ago would have offered the Belgian a sharp response. However, the 62-year-old chose to take the high road, praising Broos instead.

“I will answer the questions related to my job, which is coaching,” Mosimane said. “I think way before I have recognised and praised Hugo Broos for what he’s done. I appreciate the work Broos has done.

“He has laid very good foundations for us, he has done exceptionally well. I’m not saying it today only, I’ve said it before. He has laid a good foundation for me. I appreciate the work Broos has done and everyone else has done.”

Mosimane believes he would not have achieved his post-Bafana success – which includes 21 trophies – had he not overcome numerous obstacles and persistent criticism.

“Football is a game of opinions,” Mosimane stated. “Criticism is important. It keeps us from getting comfortable and sitting on our laurels. Personally, criticism fuels me a lot.”

While grateful to Broos, Mosimane recognises that not everything can be carried forward, including the existing technical team. He has opted for loyalty, camaraderie, and familiarity.

He has already appointed his trusted lieutenants, Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaga, as his assistant coaches. While he mentioned plans to bring in a more qualified and experienced third assistant, that leaves no room to retain Helman Mkhalele.

The national team icon had been Broos’s primary source of strength and guidance over the past five years, but Mosimane preferred his own staff.

“I have people that I’ve been with to several Fifa Club World Cups,” Mosimane stated. “These are people who understand that we’ve worked differently in South Africa, across the continent, and beyond. I have people who I think can support me.”

Building on Broos’s foundation, Mosimane and his backroom staff have already evaluated the squad for the upcoming 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month.

“I am not carrying the biggest broom to sweep here. We have a good foundation from the team that went to the World Cup,” Mosimane said. “We have five major injuries to players who won’t be available, so we need to replace them. 

“There’s no time. We just have to replace those who are injured, while also looking at emerging talent and players doing well abroad. Our main focus is the two qualifiers and a friendly game where we can give others a chance.”

Having been dismissed during his first tenure for failing to qualify for Afcon, Mosimane understands that qualification is merely the starting point. The objective now is to compete effectively at major tournaments, improving on the third-place finish at the 2024 Afcon and the Round of 16 appearance at the World Cup.

“We can agree that we had a chance to go further at the World Cup,” Mosimane said. “So, those are the key objectives.”

Ultimately, Mosimane knows the spotlight will remain firmly on him whether results go right or wrong. Nevertheless, he maintains that the team must build on its past successes while striving for more – a clear sign of a wiser coach.