Pitso Mosimane has been handed the responsibility of leading South Africa’s senior men’s football team once again, more than a decade after his first spell in charge.
The 62-year-old coach takes over from Belgian Hugo Broos, whose five-year tenure ended in July following the expiration of his contract.
Mosimane previously managed Bafana Bafana from July 2010 until June 2012, before moving on to build an impressive coaching career at club level.
His return was endorsed by the South African Football Association’s executive committee on August 8.
However, his official introduction was delayed until Tuesday, when contractual matters and the composition of his backroom staff had been completed.
The duration of Mosimane’s new contract has yet to be disclosed.
His first stint with the national side ended in disappointment after South Africa missed out on qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
The team incorrectly assumed that a draw with Sierra Leone in their final qualifying fixture would be sufficient to advance.
Mosimane subsequently left his position in June 2012 following a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match.
Broos departs after guiding South Africa to a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Under his leadership, the team also reached the last 32 of this year’s World Cup, marking their first appearance at the global tournament since the 2010 edition hosted on home soil.
Mosimane, meanwhile, has enjoyed considerable success since leaving the national team.
He guided Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly to major continental honours, collecting three African Champions League titles in the process.
He has also taken charge of clubs in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Iran in recent years.
His second appointment now presents an opportunity to restore South Africa among Africa’s leading football nations.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong