SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan has warned Pitso Mosimane that there will be little room for error as the former Bafana Bafana coach begins his second stint in charge of the national team.
Mosimane was officially unveiled as Bafana head coach on Tuesday morning at SAFA House, returning to the position he previously held between 2010 and 2012.
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Jordaan welcomed the appointment while immediately highlighting the importance of Bafana’s opening assignment under Mosimane, with South Africa set to face Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
Despite South Africa being ranked 10th in Africa, Jordaan insisted that FIFA and CAF rankings will count for little once the teams take to the field.
“Bafana are ranked 10th in Africa, we play against Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea, ranked lower than us – but you know in football it doesn’t matter where FIFA or CAF ranks you,” Jordaan said.
“It depends on the 11 players on the field, the preparation and determination of the players.”
Jordaan also underlined the significance of Bafana’s first match under Mosimane, suggesting that victory will be crucial in setting the tone for his second spell.
“That is what we are facing in the first game, probably the most important in the group. I don’t wanna say it’s a must-win but it’s close to that,” he added.
“It will set the path; the kind of history we want to create for Bafana and the pathway you have expressed in your presentations.”
Mosimane returns to the national team with a major mandate, with his vision for the 2026-2030 period expected to form part of a broader plan for South African football.
Jordaan also took the opportunity to acknowledge Mosimane’s wife, Moira Tlhagale, and her contribution to South African football infrastructure, particularly around the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“I wanna wish you and Moira all the success. I worked with her in 2010 – building all of the stadiums,” he said.
“We must acknowledge the role you played in 2010, and the recognition of the stadiums we use for Bafana Bafana, events, even rugby.”
With Mosimane now officially back in the Bafana hot seat, Jordaan believes a new chapter has begun.
“So let the work begin,” he said. “With the new Pitso era we starting now, I don’t know if it’s version 2, but Pitso vision 2026-2030 is what drives the future of South African football. All the best to your team, and your technical team.”
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