Pitso Mosimane Set to Reassume Role as South Africa's Head Coach
In a significant development for South African football, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has made strides towards reinstating Pitso Mosimane as the head coach of the national team, following the resignation of veteran coach Hugo Broos. SAFA President Danny Jordaan confirmed that Mosimane is the preferred candidate for the position, although he noted that a few details still need to be finalized before an official announcement can be made. This announcement is expected to take place next week.
Pitso Mosimane, aged 62, previously managed the South African national team from 2010 to 2012, succeeding Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira. However, his first tenure was cut short after a series of disappointing results, particularly in the qualification rounds for the 2014 World Cup. One of the most notable setbacks came during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, where Mosimane's tactical decisions led to South Africa's failure to secure a spot in the tournament. He mistakenly believed that a draw against Sierra Leone would suffice for qualification, only to find out that a victory was necessary, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
Despite this initial setback, Mosimane has carved out a successful coaching career, notably winning the African Champions League three times—twice with Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa and once with Al Ahly in Egypt. His ability to learn and adapt was evident when he bounced back from earlier failures to lead Sundowns to the Champions League title in 2016. His recent coaching stints include successful tenures in various countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, further enhancing his reputation in the footballing world.
Hugo Broos, the former coach who is stepping down, had guided South Africa to the last 32 of the World Cup held earlier this year, where the team was eliminated by co-hosts Canada. As Mosimane prepares to take the reins once again, his first tasks will involve the upcoming Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, which are crucial as South Africa aims to secure its place in the tournament scheduled for next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This could mark a new chapter in South African football, with Mosimane bringing his wealth of experience and strategic insight back to the national team.
As reported by straitstimes.com.
