New Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane calm and collected at his first press conference

Calmer, wiser and vastly experienced. This is the much-improved and Pro Max version of Pitso Mosimane that the South African Football Association (Safa) has gotten as the new Bafana Bafana coach to replace Hugo Broos.

In the first press conference of his second return to Safa House, Mosimane was measured as he spoke about his plans to take South Africa to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the World Cup.

Testament to his level of maturity, he declined to react to nasty things that Hugo Broos said about him in an interview in Belgium recently where he doubted his capabilities.

Broos said Safa would be taking steps backwards if they appointed Mosimane to the hot seat because he was likely to be influenced by outside forces, such as player agents.

Wearing a dark suit and flanked by Safa president Danny Jordaan , chief executive Lydia Monyepao and vice-president Linda Zwane, he thanked Broos for laying a solid foundation.

WATCH | New Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says they are going to use a psychologist for players to deal with the loss of Jayden Adams. pic.twitter.com/IeBfFOqiFW

Bafana were transformed from no-hopers to contenders during the five years under Broos, who left a team with a good balance of experience and youth.

That mixture is going to benefit Bafana during the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, where they meet tricky Guinea and Eritrea at the end of the month.

“I have recognised and praised coach Broos for what he has done for the national team,” said Mosimane.

“He laid a good foundation for us and he has done exceptionally well. I am not only saying this today, but I said it even before the 2026 Fifa World Cup. He has put a good foundation for me and I appreciate the work he has done and everybody he worked with.”

Some of the key players that emerged during Broos’s tenure are Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster.

Some of the emerging players are Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Tylon Smith, Shandre Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.

“I am not carrying the biggest broom to sweep because we have a good foundation from the team that went to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. There are about four to five players out with injuries and I am sure you know the names of those players who are not going to be available.

WATCH | The South African Football Association has appointed Pitso Mosimane as head coach. Link in comments. pic.twitter.com/iFMHxUZmE5