Mkhalele, Mosimane, McCarthy: Who Should Take Over Bafana After Broos?
Veteran coach Pitso Mosimane has given his strongest indication yet that he would seriously consider a return to the Bafana Bafana hot seat — provided the conditions are right.
Mosimane has been without a club since parting ways with Iranian giants Esteghlal earlier this year, and his name continues to surface whenever major vacancies arise in South African football. With Hugo Broos expected to step aside after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention has naturally turned to who could take over the national team next.
Speaking on Marawa Sports Worldwide, Mosimane made it clear that the timing of the Bafana job is appealing.
“There’s no better time to coach Bafana than now,” Mosimane said.
“We have strong Under-17 and Under-20 teams coming through. South African football is in a good space, even though we’ve been here before.”
Mosimane is no stranger to the national setup. He served as an assistant during the 2010 World Cup under Carlos Alberto Parreira before taking charge himself between 2010 and 2012. While his stint ended after failure to qualify for AFCON, his career since then — highlighted by continental dominance with Al Ahly and success across Africa and the Middle East — has elevated his standing dramatically.
Mosimane: interested, but not at any cost
However, “Jingles” was quick to stress that accepting the Bafana role would require more than just sentiment or pressure after poor results.
“Yes, I’m available for a good project,” he explained.
“But it can’t be reactionary — draw one game, panic, draw again, and then expect miracles. I don’t work like that.”
His comments underline a desire for long-term planning, stability, and clear backing from the football authorities.
Desabre: Another name in the frame
While Mosimane remains a leading candidate in public debate, he is not the only coach linked with the post.
Benni McCarthy
Currently involved with the Kenyan national team, McCarthy has previously stated that coaching Bafana would be a dream opportunity. His growing experience at international level keeps him firmly in the conversation.Sébastien Desabre
The DR Congo boss has earned plaudits for transforming the Leopards and guiding them into intercontinental World Cup play-offs. His work has not gone unnoticed, and a move south could appeal if circumstances align.
Broos, who has just over six months left on his contract, has already hinted that assistant Helman Mkhalele could be a natural successor. The Belgian coach has overseen a revival, including a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON and South Africa’s first World Cup qualification in 23 years, and has confirmed he will retire after the tournament.
With Bafana set to open their AFCON campaign against Angola in Morocco, focus remains on the present — but behind the scenes, the question of who leads South Africa beyond 2026 is growing louder.