Pitso Mosimane appointed by South Africa ahead of AFCON qualifiers

What the report says

South Africa has appointed Pitso Mosimane as head coach of its men’s national football team, replacing Belgian manager Hugo Broos, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on AFP. The confirmation came on Tuesday, about three weeks after the South African football association approved the move. The change comes after South Africa’s World Cup exit and ahead of an important run of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Mosimane, a former South Africa striker, is returning to the job for a second spell. He previously coached the side from 2010 to 2012, a period that ended without qualification for AFCON 2012. Al Jazeera reported that the team also struggled in a World Cup qualifying campaign during his earlier tenure. Broos, 74, had guided South Africa to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in the country’s history in North America this year before stepping aside.

The appointment gives Mosimane limited time to prepare for South Africa’s first 2027 AFCON qualifier, a home match against Guinea. The article notes Guinea missed the 2025 tournament but still has strong attacking talent, including Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy. Mosimane’s deal runs until the 2030 World Cup, and his record at club level includes major continental titles with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, making him one of the most decorated coaches in African football.