There is an opinion that SAFA should avoid bringing in Molefi Ntseki as a temporary solution and instead appoint an experienced coach capable of building upon the successes achieved by Hugo Broos. Critics note that SAFA is essentially its own worst enemy because, instead of relying on the foundation laid by former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, they are trying to undo all achievements and return to a starting level.
Hugo Broos left his post at Bafana after successfully completing his work, qualifying for two Afrocans, including winning bronze at the 2023 playoff tournament. Furthermore, he brought the team back to the World Cup for the first time since it was held in 2010.
Broos' team participated in the world tournament, reaching the playoffs for the first time in history, following the example of the women's and youth teams—Banyana Banyana and Amajita.
SAFA NEC approved the appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the new coach of Bafana Bafana. During his five years, the Belgian coach built the team on principles such as competitiveness, discipline, including off-field conduct, and camaraderie, effectively eliminating any influence of club allegiances.
It was expected that Broos' successor would continue this work and take the national team to a new level. After a long silence, the national executive committee of SAFA submitted a proposal for Pitso Mosimane to take over after Broos.
This news caused mixed reactions. Some argued that Mosimane had already failed in this role and would seek to implement his own philosophy rather than continue Broos' work. Others believe that he has matured and fully meets the requirements.
Thanks to his track record and coaching experience worldwide, including North Africa and the Middle East, Mosimane is a strong candidate to replace Broos. However, a hurdle for SAFA is Mosimane's high cost. His agency, MT Sports Marketing and Management, initially rejected SAFA's annual offer of 5 million rand, as Mosimane is reportedly set to receive a salary significantly lower than the 1.4 million rand received by his predecessor.
Nevertheless, after SAFA presented an improved offer of 10 million rand, MT Sports reportedly agreed, provided that Mosimane's staff, including Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangogu, also receive permanent contracts.
SAFA, however, seems unwilling to compromise. They insist on running the team on 'per call deals' while retaining part of Broos' staff, including Helman Mkhalele, citing the need for growth and continuity.
As negotiations between Mosimane and SAFA reached an impasse, reports emerged that the mother organization is considering approaching current technical director Molefi Ntseki to lead the team in the 2027 Afrocans qualifiers, which begin next month. This would be catastrophic.
Ntseki previously failed at Bafana after his team could not qualify for Afrocans 2021, leading to his dismissal and replacement by Broos, who has since taken the team to high positions. Unlike Mosimane, who demonstrated significant progress after leaving the association, including success with Africa’s Club of the Century, Al Ahly, Ntseki also failed at the country's most popular club, Kaizer Chiefs, where he was sacked after only one season as head coach.
Recognizing that SAFA is in a precarious position and desperately needs a quick solution for the start of high-level qualifiers, experts emphasize that they cannot afford to revert to the 'former' who harmed them, even if it is done for the right reason—'bringing someone in from within'. If SAFA is serious, it should appoint an experienced coach who understands the pressure and demands of the Bafana role and is capable of preserving the legacy created by Broos over the years. Gordon Igesund is one possible option. Meanwhile, Broos reportedly declined an offer to return and temporarily lead the team while SAFA negotiates with the Mosimane camp, but he could still serve in an advisory role for whoever takes the interim position, despite having previously stated he would not dictate what his successor should do after leaving.