By JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s football fraternity has received a massive endorsement following the official appointment of Dr Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana head coach, with Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, warmly welcoming the tactician’s return to the national dugout.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) finalized Mosimane’s appointment to lead the senior men’s national team, signalling a major statement of intent for the nation’s football setup.
MEC Maile commended both SAFA and Mosimane for concluding the negotiations, highlighting the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor’s decision to put national duty ahead of lucrative overseas offers.
“We welcome the finalisation of the appointment of Dr Pitso Mosimane as Head Coach of Bafana Bafana and commend both SAFA and Coach Mosimane for reaching this important milestone,” Maile said. “We thank Coach Pitso for choosing his country when his experience and record could have taken him to many other parts of the world. His decision demonstrates patriotism and a willingness to contribute towards a greater national cause”.
Mosimane, whose glittering trophy cabinet across the African continent has cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most decorated coaches, steps back into the national team hot seat with a mandate to build on the momentum generated by Bafana Bafana’s recent FIFA World Cup outing.
While Mosimane’s immediate target will be international results, provincial leadership expressed strong enthusiasm for his broader vision regarding grassroots architecture. Maile particularly pointed to Mosimane’s commitment to revitalizing school football, advancing coach education, and bridging the developmental divide between school level systems and professional ranks.
“Coach Pitso understands that the future strength of Bafana Bafana begins long before a player reaches professional football,” Maile added. “Education and sport are inseparable. We need deliberate systems that identify talent early, develop young players, strengthen physical education and football in schools, and empower coaches who work with our children”.
With Bafana Bafana having recently restored fan belief on the global stage, Maile urged football stakeholders and the public to back Mosimane as he embarks on his second tenure in charge of the national team.
