Pitso Mosimane Returns to Lead South Africa in Afcon 2027 Qualifiers

The South African Football Association has turned back to a familiar figure at a crucial moment. Pitso Mosimane is back in charge of the national team, handed the reins just weeks before the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins.

Hugo Broos makes way. Mosimane steps in with a CV that dwarfs most on the continent: 20 trophies collected across an expansive coaching journey, three of them in the CAF Champions League. One came with Mamelodi Sundowns, two with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, where he carved out a reputation as a serial winner under intense pressure.

His domestic record in South Africa still sets the standard. Five league titles, a sustained era of dominance with Sundowns, and a style of management that blended hard edges with tactical clarity. That success opened doors abroad and he took them, working in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli Jeddah, in the UAE with Al Wahda, and again in Saudi Arabia with Abha, before his most recent stint at Esteghlal in Iran.

Now the timing of his return feels deliberate rather than nostalgic. SAFA has moved to anchor the next phase of Bafana Bafana’s journey to someone who has navigated high‑stakes campaigns across Africa and Asia. The expectation is not subtle: reach the 2027 Afcon finals and do it with authority.

The schedule offers no easing-in period. Mosimane’s second spell at the helm begins against Guinea on 26 September. Four days later comes Eritrea on 30 September, fixtures that will set the early tone for the qualifiers. Then, in November, home-and-away clashes with Kenya will test how quickly he can impose his methods on the squad.

A proven winner is back on the touchline. The question now is whether his knack for turning clubs into champions can be transferred, once again, to the national shirt.