Pitso Mosimane Eyes Sensational Bafana Return as SAFA Begins Life Afte

[Kingjosh50]

The race to command the hottest seat in South African sports has officially begun. Following Hugo Broos’s confirmation that he is stepping down to enjoy retirement, the South African Football Association (SAFA) is already wading through high-profile applications. Chief among them? Former national team boss and continental tactical mastermind, Pitso Mosimane.

 

An insider within SAFA confirmed to AFP on Friday that the federation has received a flood of applications to succeed the 74-year-old Belgian. While the insider requested anonymity, they directly confirmed the rumors keeping South African fans awake: "There have been numerous applications for the post of national coach and Pitso (Mosimane) is among them."

 

Meanwhile, the transition out of the Broos era might not be an abrupt severing of ties. The same source added that Broos may continue to work with Bafana Bafana in a lighter, advisory capacity. Broos himself noted that SAFA President Danny Jordaan wants to retain his football mind, a sentiment the Belgian tactician is open to. "Suppose I have to be in South Africa for a few weeks every two months—why not?" Broos joked, noting it would keep him from being a "nuisance" to his wife at home.

 

The Broos Legacy: From 200 Fans to a Packed Stadium

Whoever takes the reins will be walking into an entirely different environment than the one Broos inherited in 2021. The Belgian didn't just win matches; he completely transformed the culture and public perception of South African football.

 

Before his arrival, Bafana Bafana had hit an all-time low, sometimes struggling to attract a meager 200 spectators to their games. By March of last year, Broos had built a thrilling, cohesive side that packed out a capacity 50,000-seat stadium in Cape Town.