Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane Returns as Bafana Bafana Coach After 14 Years

South Africa’s most decorated coach, Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane, has been unveiled as Bafana Bafana’s new head coach, ending months of speculation over Hugo Broos’ successor. His second coming begins with the daunting AFCON 2027 qualifiers, where Bafana face Guinea, Eritrea and co‑hosts Kenya.

Jingles during his first stint at Bafana Bafana which ended in disappointment

By TQ CORRESPONDENT

The South African Football Association (SAFA) on Tuesday morning unveiled Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana coach at SAFA House, ending months of speculation over Hugo Broos’ successor.

SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan confirmed Mosimane has signed a five-year contract, a clear signal of the association’s long-term faith in one of the country’s most decorated tacticians.

In its statement, SAFA said: “We are delighted to welcome Pitso Mosimane back to the Bafana Bafana family. His track record speaks for itself, and we believe his leadership will take the national team to new heights.”

First Stint Ended in Disappointment

Mosimane’s first tenure between 2010 and 2012 was far from glorious. Elevated from assistant to head coach after the 2010 World Cup, he struggled to impose consistency and was dismissed after Bafana failed to qualify for the 2012 AFCON - a painful miscalculation that still lingers in memory.

Yet, “Jingles,” a nickname carried from his playing days, rebuilt his reputation spectacularly. At Mamelodi Sundowns, he delivered five PSL titles and the CAF Champions League in 2016, before conquering Africa again with Al Ahly and later coaching in the Middle East.

His recent launch of a youth academy in Gauteng reflects his enduring passion for development.

Broos’ Legacy 

He takes over from Hugo Broos, whose five-year tenure restored pride, steering Bafana to a third-place finish at AFCON 2023 and into the second round of the 2026 World Cup, where Canada’s late strike ended their run.

Broos departs with dignity, leaving Mosimane to build on solid foundations.

Now that his appointment has been confirmed, Jingles will face immediate test as Bafana Bafana are in Group D of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers alongside Guinea, Eritrea, and co‑hosts Kenya.

Because Kenya qualify automatically as hosts, South Africa must finish ahead of Guinea and Eritrea to secure the sole remaining slot.

Road Ahead

The question is whether “Jingles” can succeed in his second coming. His résumé is glittering, his aura undeniable, but the national team job has humbled him before.

This time, South Africa waits to see if Mosimane can turn admiration into lasting triumph. TQ