Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana Return Hit by Unexpected Saudi Arabia Twist

• Pitso Mosimane's Bafana return comes with an early technical team complication as he prepares to build his new coaching setup
• The new Bafana coach had expected to work with several familiar faces, but recent developments have changed his options
• Mosimane now faces an important decision over his backroom staff as preparations begin for his first assignments with Bafana

Pitso Mosimane's return to Bafana Bafana has been complicated by a significant change to his expected technical team, with two trusted members of his backroom setup now committed to Saudi Arabian club Al Fateh. The development leaves the incoming coach having to reconsider part of his preferred structure just days after SAFA approved his appointment.

Mosimane's Bafana plans disrupted

Maahier Davids has joined Al Fateh as an assistant coach, while Kyle Solomon has taken up a video analyst position. Former Bafana strength and conditioning coach Kopano Melesi has also moved to the Saudi club.

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According to Soccer Laduma, the moves are significant because Davids and Solomon were expected to form part of Mosimane's Bafana setup. His preferred group had included Davids as assistant coach, Kabelo Rangoaga as fitness and conditioning coach, Musi Matlaba as performance and data analyst, and Solomon in an analyst and operational role.

Pitso Mosimane's new Bafana Bafana era brings decisions

SAFA's NEC approved Mosimane's appointment on 8 August, setting the stage for his second spell in charge. He previously coached Bafana from 2010 to 2012.

The timing leaves little room for delay. South Africa's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is scheduled to begin in September, with Guinea among their early opponents.

Helman Mkhalele offers continuity

One possible solution is Helman Mkhalele, who has remained part of the Bafana setup and has worked alongside the national team during its recent progress.

Mosimane has previously acknowledged Mkhalele's contribution, thanking “coach Hugo, Helman [Mkhalele], the technical team and our players” after Bafana qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Mosimane must now finalise the remaining positions while balancing his preferred methods with continuity from the previous era.

Pitso Mosimane's Bafana Bafana salary negotiations under the spotlight

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Briefly News previously reported that Pitso Mosimane's return to Bafana Bafana has also brought renewed attention to the financial side of the national team job. Reports surrounding his negotiations with SAFA have placed his proposed package under scrutiny.

The figures have also revived comparisons with what previous Bafana coaches were reportedly paid, including Mosimane himself during his first spell in charge.

Source: Briefly News