Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has welcomed Pitso Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana job, while urging South African football supporters to give the experienced coach enough time to establish his own methods.
Mosimane has officially begun his second spell as head coach of the national team after being unveiled by the South African Football Association (SAFA) at SAFA House on Tuesday morning.
His appointment follows Hugo Broos’ departure after the Belgian coach’s contract with Bafana came to an end.
Mosimane returns after more than a decade
The appointment marks Mosimane’s return to the national team more than a decade after his first stint in charge.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach previously managed Bafana between 2010 and 2012.
He now returns to a team that has undergone significant development since his first tenure.
Mosimane takes over from Broos, who was appointed in 2021 and spent six years overseeing the national side.
Broos leaves behind a strong record
Broos departs after establishing himself as one of the most successful Bafana coaches in recent years.
During his tenure, South Africa secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
His biggest achievement came when he guided Bafana into the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping raise expectations surrounding the national team.
That progress means Mosimane inherits a squad and footballing environment with considerably higher expectations than those that existed during his first spell.
Da Cruz calls for patience
Da Cruz believes Mosimane has the credentials required for the position but warned that supporters should not expect immediate changes.
Speaking to the media at Naturena Village ahead of Kaizer Chiefs’ Betway Premiership meeting with Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, the Chiefs coach praised Mosimane’s record and experience.
“He’s a coach that had a lot of success at club level; he has won a lot of titles,” Da Cruz said.
The French coach added that Mosimane has the necessary qualities to lead the national team and described his appointment as a positive development for South African football.
Chiefs coach highlights Mosimane’s challenge
For Da Cruz, the biggest issue facing Mosimane is not his credentials but the transition involved in taking charge of a team that has developed under another coach.
“It’s good to have a local coach [in the national team], but it is important that we give him time because now he is taking over a heritage from another coach.
He will need time to set up his things,” he said.
The comments underline the scale of the task awaiting Mosimane.
While he is familiar with the South African football landscape, he must now build on the foundations established by Broos while putting his own tactical identity on the team.
Expectations will be high for Mosimane
Mosimane’s return is likely to attract intense attention given his decorated coaching career and previous success with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
His second Bafana appointment also comes at a time when expectations have increased following the team’s recent performances on the international stage.
Rather than being judged solely on his first few matches, Da Cruz believes Mosimane should be afforded the opportunity to implement his ideas and determine how he wants the national team to play.
What’s next for Bafana Bafana?
Mosimane’s immediate challenge will be to familiarise himself with the squad, identify the players who fit his plans and maintain the progress made under Broos.
With the national team now operating under heightened expectations, his ability to manage the transition while producing results will be closely monitored.
For now, Da Cruz’s message is clear: Mosimane has the pedigree to succeed, but patience will be essential as the new Bafana era begins.
Summary
Pitso Mosimane has returned to the Bafana Bafana hot seat after Hugo Broos’ six-year tenure came to an end.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has backed the appointment, pointing to Mosimane’s impressive record of winning major titles at club level.
However, Da Cruz believes the new Bafana coach needs time to establish his philosophy and build on the foundations left by Broos.
With expectations higher after South Africa’s recent AFCON and World Cup achievements, Mosimane faces a major challenge as he begins his second spell in charge.
