# Pitso Mosimane begins Bafana Bafana transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-africa-soccer-coach-transition > Updated: 2026-09-07T11:37:18.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 11. Following the finalization of his appointment, Pitso Mosimane has begun transitioning the Bafana Bafana squad. This marks his second tenure with the national team, having previously coached from 2010 to 2012. Mosimane has announced a 35-man preliminary squad that blends the core players from the 2026 World Cup era with several new faces, including Puso Dithejane, Shandre Campbell, Cemran Dansin, Lebone Seema, and Ronaldo van Neel. Returning players include Luther Singh, Lebohang Maboe, and Cassius Mailula. Mosimane noted that while the previous foundation remains important, injuries and emerging talent necessitated these changes, and he intends to use upcoming fixtures to provide opportunities to players who have previously lacked game time. The team’s immediate schedule focuses on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Following the match against Guinea on 26 September, the team will travel to Egypt to face Eritrea at Al-Salam Stadium on 30 September. This will be followed by an international friendly against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on 4 October. ## Claims - Pitso Mosimane is reported as a leading candidate to replace Hugo Broos as South Africa head coach. (disputed by 4 sources) - SAFA has appointed Pitso Mosimane as the new head coach of Bafana Bafana. (disputed by 2 sources) - SAFA President Danny Jordaan thanked Hugo Broos for his service. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Hugo Broos announced his departure as South Africa head coach on 31 July 2026. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Broos cited long family absence and lonely moments in South Africa as the reason for leaving. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Broos' departure raised the total number of national team coaches who left after the 2026 World Cup to 17. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Under Broos, South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reached the knockout stage for the first time. (corroborated by 4 sources) - South Africa were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup round of 32 by Canada. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Hugo Broos' contract with SAFA expired on 31 July 2026 and was not renewed. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Pitso Mosimane announces new Bafana Bafana squad and schedule New Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has named a 35-man preliminary squad, blending established talent with new players ahead of upcoming qualifiers and a friendly against Egypt. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pitso-mosimane-announces-new-bafana-bafana-squad-and-schedule ### 2026-09-02: Pitso Mosimane appointed as new Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane returns as head coach of South Africa's Bafana Bafana, taking over from Hugo Broos ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Striker Lyle Foster is also reportedly eyeing an MLS move. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pitso-mosimane-appointed-as-new-bafana-bafana-head-coach ### 2026-08-31: Pitso Mosimane appointed as Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has been appointed as the new Bafana Bafana head coach, returning to lead South Africa's national team through upcoming AFCON qualifiers and future major tournaments. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pitso-mosimane-appointed-bafana-bafana-head-coach ### 2026-08-25: Pitso Mosimane and SAFA negotiations face potential breakdown Negotiations for the Bafana Bafana head coach role between SAFA and Pitso Mosimane face potential breakdown over image rights, while former coach Hugo Broos warns the appointment could hinder progress. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pitso-mosimane-and-safa-negotiations-face-potential-breakdown ### 2026-08-23: Pitso Mosimane coaching appointment faces salary and criticism debates South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is urging SAFA to offer Pitso Mosimane a fair salary as contract negotiations for the Bafana Bafana head coach position continue. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pitso-mosimane-coaching-appointment-faces-salary-and-criticism-debates ### 2026-08-21: Bafana Bafana coaching search faces delays amid contract talks SAFA considers Molefi Ntseki as an interim Bafana Bafana coach while contract negotiations with preferred candidate Pitso Mosimane continue ahead of AFCON qualifiers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bafana-bafana-coaching-search-faces-delays-amid-contract-talks ### 2026-08-16: Pitso Mosimane's Bafana Bafana return faces salary and recruitment debates Pitso Mosimane’s return as Bafana Bafana coach faces scrutiny over reported salary negotiations and his calls for expanded talent recruitment in South African schools. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pitso-mosimanes-bafana-bafana-return-faces-salary-and-recruitment-debates ### 2026-08-08: Pitso Mosimane approved to return as South Africa head coach The South African Football Association has approved Pitso Mosimane to return as Bafana Bafana head coach, with final details pending salary negotiations to succeed Hugo Broos. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pitso-mosimane-appointed-as-south-africas-bafana-bafana-head-coach ### 2026-07-31: Hugo Broos steps down as South Africa coach after historic World Cup run Hugo Broos left his role as South Africa coach after a historic World Cup knockout run; his contract ended 31 July 2026, he cited family reasons, and SAFA will seek a successor, with Pitso Mosimane a frontrun. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hugo-broos-departs-as-south-africas-bafana-bafana-coach ### 2026-07-22: South Africa's Bafana Bafana coaching future unsettled as SAFA denies Hugo Broos contract extension SAFA denies reports of a contract extension for coach Hugo Broos, whose deal runs until July 2026, while former coach Pitso Mosimane confirms succession talks and other candidates are being considered. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-coach-hugo-broos-contract-extension-rumors-denied ### 2026-07-10: Hugo Broos to leave South Africa coach role after World Cup, remains until contract ends SAFA says Hugo Broos stays coach until his contract ends in July, then will step down after historic World Cup run but may take an advisory role; successors like Pitso Mosimane are being considered. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hugo-broos-steps-down-as-south-africa-coach-eyes-safa-advisory-role --- Cite as: Pitso Mosimane begins Bafana Bafana transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-africa-soccer-coach-transition