Pitso Mosimane appears set to return as South Africa’s head coach after SAFA concluded contractual discussions.
According to SABC Sport’s Velile Mnyandu, negotiations between both parties ended over the weekend.
The reported agreement arrives just before Bafana Bafana begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
South Africa will face Guinea first before travelling to Egypt for a clash with Eritrea.
Mosimane returns to Bafana Bafana
Mosimane previously managed Bafana Bafana between 2010 and 2012. His return would therefore mark his second stint with the national team.
The experienced coach follows Hugo Broos, who recently completed a successful five-year spell.
Broos helped South Africa qualify for successive AFCON tournaments during his tenure.
He also guided Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON tournament.
Furthermore, South Africa reportedly reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage under his leadership.
That achievement represented a historic milestone for Bafana Bafana at the global tournament.
However, Mosimane will have little preparation time if his appointment becomes official.
South Africa’s opening qualifier against Guinea is scheduled for Saturday, 26 September.
The venue remains undecided, although Gauteng and North West have reportedly emerged as options.
The location could prove important because Bafana must travel to Egypt shortly afterwards.
Egypt brings familiar memories for Mosimane
Bafana Bafana will then meet Eritrea on Wednesday, 30 September, in Egypt.
Eritrea must stage the match outside their country because their stadiums fail CAF and FIFA requirements.
Meanwhile, Kenya and Guinea complete Group D alongside South Africa and Eritrea.
Kenya already has an AFCON place as one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
Therefore, the qualifying race carries significant importance for Mosimane from the outset.
His return to Egypt could also provide a nostalgic backdrop for the veteran coach.
Mosimane enjoyed tremendous success during his time managing Al Ahly.
He spent almost three years with the Egyptian giants and won two CAF Champions League titles.
Those achievements established Mosimane among Africa’s most successful modern coaches.
Now, his attention will shift towards rebuilding Bafana Bafana and securing AFCON 2027 qualification.
The upcoming fixtures could therefore provide an immediate test of his second national-team tenure.
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