Pitso Mosimane responds to doubters during Bafana unveiling – ‘There’s 21 medals’

Bafana Bafana new coach Pitso Mosimane has backed himself to bring success to the South African national team following his unveiling on Tuesday.

Mosimane’s highly-awaited appointment was finally confirmed when the South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee, led by president Danny Joordan, announced him and his technical staff.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly boss has signed a deal to become the new head coach, succeeding Belgian Hugo Broos, who quit at the end of July, after a successful five-year stint.

Broos led Bafana Bafana to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the Round of 16 at the 2025 edition before guiding South Africa to the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, a first for the country.

Mosimane on why he is the right fit

Mosimane, therefore, has big shoes to fill as he returns to the Bafana fold for the second time, having first overseen the national team between 2010 and 2012, and for those doubting his capabilities, he has a message for them.

“Between now and 14 years back, a lot has happened, back then, I didn’t even win an MTN8 or Nedbank Cup, never mind a league or… let me not boast of what we’ve achieved,” Mosimane, who guided Sundowns to five league titles, a CAF Champions League and a number of cups, said during his unveiling on Tuesday.

“There’s 21 medals between now and 14 years back, loaded with about three FIFA Club World Cups and one national team World Cup – I think the system is loaded enough now,” added the 61-year-old, who also won two Champions League crowns with Al Ahly.

New Bafana coach ready for the challenge

Besides his success in South Africa and Egypt, as well as in Saudi Arabia, where he guided Al Ahli to top flight promotion in his only season at the club, Mosimane is under no illusions about the requirements of his new role.

“I take this responsibility knowing that I still have something to give in football and especially in my country,” he further stated. “I do so with many more years of experience at the moment but also with even deeper appreciation of what it means to lead Bafana Bafana.”

🚨🇿🇦 Pitso Mosimane officially unveiled as the new manager of South Africa, replacing Hugo Broos.

Algeria + Ghana remain to find a manager. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/T0uRw2dHsw

— Dean Ammi (@AlgerianFooty) September 1, 2026

“I know this is simply not a coaching job…this is bigger that Pitso Mosimane. I understand the weight of this role, the expectations that come with it and what this team means to South Africa.

Jingles’ first match and backroom staff

“With pride, determination and humility, I accept the challenge. When you coach a club, you represent the badge, a community and millions of supporters. But when you coach Bafana Bafana, you represent your country,” he said.

Mosimane’s immediate task will be to lead Bafana Bafana during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, starting with matches against Guinea and Eritrea on September 23 and 27 respectively.

‘Jingles,’ as he is popularly known, has roped in Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba as part of his technical staff with another assistant coach set to be added to his backroom staff.