South African youth development coach Kwane KopoCoach·Kwane Kopo has publicly advocated for Pitso Mosimane to assume the head coaching position for Bafana BafanaTeam·Bafana Bafana. Kopo's endorsement underscores the importance of maintaining momentum and continuity within the national team setup, particularly in the wake of Hugo BroosCoach·Hugo Broos's recent departure.
Broos's contract as Bafana BafanaTeam·Bafana Bafana coach concluded after the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup, where he had indicated an intention to retire. His five-year tenure was marked by significant achievements, including securing a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of NationsCompetition·Africa Cup of Nations and guiding the team to their first FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup qualification on merit since 2002. South Africa further made history by advancing out of their group in the 2026 World Cup finals, which included co-hosts MexicoTeam·Mexico, CzechiaTeam·Czechia, and the Republic of KoreaTeam·Republic of Korea, before their campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat to co-hosts CanadaTeam·Canada in the Round of 32.
Mosimane, a prominent figure in African football, has confirmed his engagement with the South African Football Association (SAFA) regarding the national team's succession plan. Jack Maluleke, SAFA's technical director committee chairperson, verified that Mosimane is among the numerous applicants for the coveted role. Mosimane has openly expressed his desire to return to the Bafana BafanaTeam·Bafana Bafana dugout, a position he previously held between 2010 and 2012.
"Well there's nothing wrong to do the national team again huh?, it's something on my plate and unfinished business because that's the only place where I never won a trophy, so why not? Maybe it's a thorn in the flesh for me," Pitso Mosimane stated, highlighting his ambition to secure silverware with the national side. He also noted the expanded World Cup format, adding, "I won't lie, I would love to come back. Especially now with 11 teams in the next World Cup. I mean everybody has a chance there."
Kopo's rationale for backing Mosimane centers on the need for a seamless transition rather than a complete overhaul. "I think South Africa is not at an age of restarting, but continuation," Kopo asserted. He emphasized Mosimane's deep understanding of local football, citing his consistent monitoring of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), which Kopo believes is crucial for national team selection and strategy. Kopo also observed a shared philosophy between the two coaches, stating, "When I look at both of them , they both want holistic development. They aren't just looking at tactical abilities, but all-round qualities."
Bafana BafanaTeam·Bafana Bafana's recent performances have seen their FIFA ranking rise to 54 as of July 20, 2026, an increase of six places. Their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup came after topping CAF Qualification Group C with 18 points, ahead of NigeriaTeam·Nigeria, Benin, LesothoTeam·Lesotho, RwandaTeam·Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. The team also participated in the 2025 Africa Cup of NationsCompetition·Africa Cup of Nations in MoroccoVenue·Morocco, building on their third-place finish in the preceding tournament. Mosimane believes the team can achieve even more, stating, "I always say that it's important to leave the jersey at a better place. Yeah, there's room, right? There's room for improvement."
SAFA's ongoing discussions with various candidates, including Mosimane, signal a strategic approach to appointing a leader who can build upon the recent successes and guide Bafana BafanaTeam·Bafana Bafana to further international prominence.
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