The Bafana Bafana reign of Pitso Mosimane ended abruptly in 2012, but the coach who has applied to replace Hugo Broos is a very different proposition today.
Also see: Fans reject Pitso Mosimane as Hugo Broos’ potential Bafana Bafana successor
Pitso Mosimane after Bafana Bafana
When Mosimane last coached Bafana Bafana, his reign ended dramatically, dismissed at midnight following a home draw with Ethiopia in 2014 World Cup qualifying, having taken over from Carlos Alberto Parreira after the 2010 tournament on home soil.
It was a spell that showed promise but ultimately fell short, and Mosimane departed the national set-up without silverware to his name.
What followed transformed his reputation entirely. His eight-year spell at Mamelodi Sundowns turned the club into South African football’s dominant force, with five PSL titles, two Nedbank Cups, two League Cups, and in 2016, the club’s first-ever CAF Champions League title.
Also see: Pitso Mosimane receives honorary doctorate from UJ
Making moves in Egypt
His move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly pushed his profile further still. Back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2019-20 and 2020-21, an Egyptian league and cup double, two CAF Super Cups, and consecutive third-place finishes at the FIFA Club World Cup, a feat no other African club has achieved.
He later guided Saudi side Al-Ahli to promotion in his very first season in charge, before further coaching spells in Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Where the Mosimane of 2010 was a promising but unproven international coach, the version applying to replace Hugo Broos now arrives with continental titles, a reputation as one of Africa’s most successful managers, and experience across multiple footballing cultures.
Whether that experience earns him a second chance with Bafana Bafana remains in SAFA’s hands.
Originally published by Soccermag.
Also see: SAFA dismissing reports of Hugo Broos’ contract extension confuses SA
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