After reaching the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, Bafana Bafana will return to action next month.
South Africa’s attention now turns to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with two matches scheduled for September.
Bafana will begin their qualification campaign on 23 September 2026 when they host Guinea. Four days later, on 27 September, they will travel to face Eritrea in their second group-stage fixture.
However, with the dates fast approaching, SAFA are yet to appoint a successor to Hugo Broos.
Broos spent five years in charge of Bafana and enjoyed a successful tenure, guiding the national team to a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON before leading them to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Belgian’s departure has left SAFA searching for a new permanent coach, with Pitso Mosimane reportedly emerging as the preferred candidate.
Mosimane was reportedly approved as Broos’ successor, but negotiations appear to have hit a stumbling block, with reports suggesting that disagreements over salary and other contractual matters have delayed the appointment.
Bafana searching for new coach
The experienced coach, affectionately known as ‘Jingles’, is also reportedly keen to bring in his own technical team, while SAFA are said to want greater control over the composition of the coaching staff.
The association has yet to provide official clarity on the situation.
If an agreement with Mosimane cannot be reached, former Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki could reportedly return on an interim basis to take charge of the national team while SAFA continue their search for a permanent appointment.
Under Broos, South Africa qualified for back-to-back AFCON tournaments and will be expected to secure another place at the continental showpiece.
With the Guinea clash less than a month away, SAFA will need to resolve the coaching situation quickly to ensure Bafana enter their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with certainty and stability.