SAFA announces venue for Pitso Mosimane’s first match back in charge

The Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, Johannesburg, will host Bafana Bafana’s first 2027 Afcon qualifier against Guinea on Saturday, September 26, Safa revealed on Tuesday night.

This will be a sought-after fixture for Bafana on home soil, as they are expected not only to start the campaign on a high note, but it will also mark Pitso Mosimane’s first match in charge since returning to succeed Hugo Broos.

The Belgian-born coach left the team in a significantly better state over his five-year tenure, securing back-to-back Afcon qualifications and taking South Africa to the Fifa World Cup for the first time in 16 years, where they historically reached the Round of 32.

To build on Broos’ foundation while implementing his own blueprint, Mosimane has called up a blend of regulars and new faces for three matches in the upcoming international window. The schedule includes a second qualifier away against Eritrea on September 30 at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo and an international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on October 4.

Starting at home against Guinea should give supporters a glimpse into the future of the national team. However, Mosimane has stressed that much work lies ahead as they strive to improve drastically and compete for major honours.

Mosimane has assembled a familiar domestic technical team. On Tuesday, Safa announced that Morena Ramoreboli will join the backroom staff as Bafana’s first assistant coach after leaving his post as Botswana national team coach.

Ramoreboli joins Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaga on the coaching staff. The latter pair are set to double up as chief analyst and conditioning coach – roles they have filled for years as trusted lieutenants during Mosimane’s successful era at Mamelodi Sundowns.