SAFA Urged To Give Pitso Mosimane Time After Hugo Broos’ Five-Year Stint Delivered No Major Trophy
- Dan Malesela, Head of School of Excellence, called on SAFA to give Bafana Bafana's new coach Pitso Mosimane time to prove himself
- Malesela pointed to Hugo Broos' five-year tenure as proof that patience is needed, noting the Belgian left without a major trophy
- The South African tactician takes charge of a Bafana side that recently competed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010
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Dan Malesela, Head of the School of Excellence, has urged the South African Football Association (SAFA) not to place Pitso Mosimane under premature pressure, arguing that predecessor Hugo Broos was afforded five years in charge without delivering a major trophy.
The 62-year-old Mosimane has stepped into the role vacated by Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana through a productive but ultimately trophy-less era.
Under the Belgian coach, South Africa qualified for consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, claimed bronze at the 2023 edition, and reached the Round of 16 in the following one. The team also featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking the country's first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Malesela warns against judging Mosimane early
Malesela, speaking as quoted by iDiski Times, drew attention to what he described as a pattern of scepticism directed at Black coaches taking on high-profile roles in South African football.
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"When there's a black coach coming in, there are always sceptics and people already being negative to say, 'this person will not succeed at this level'," Malesela said.
He argued that many capable local coaches have been written off before they could demonstrate their worth, and insisted Mosimane's experience and credentials demand greater respect.
"But what could be bigger than Pitso? He has coached the national team before, and he understands the international football world. Sometimes a coach is just unfortunate, and the results don't come your way. But it doesn't mean you're a bad coach," he added.
Broos tenure used as benchmark
Malesela used Broos' time at the helm to reinforce his point, noting that the pressure now directed at Mosimane stands in contrast to the patience extended to his predecessor.
"We've given that man Hugo Broos how many years? Five? And still, he didn't win anything. Sure, we reached the knockout stage of the World Cup, the Last 32, but that is not the ultimate achievement. We must support Pitso and give him time," Malesela concluded.
Mosimane, nicknamed "Jingles," previously coached Bafana Bafana between 2012 and 2017 before taking his career across Africa and the Middle East.
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Source: Briefly News
