Kopo backs Pitso for Bafana role

THE foundation that Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has laid at the national team needs a successor who can hit the ground running with an intimate familiarity with South African football - and that person is none other than Pitso Mosimane.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

That was the definitive view of Kwanele Kopo, Mosimane’s former understudy and a renowned South African youth development coach, when asked who he thought should replace Hugo Broos at the helm of Bafana.

Broos’ future with the national team remains uncertain. After guiding Bafana to a historic Fifa World Cup knockout stage berth recently, the Belgian tactician declared that he would make a final decision on his future upon returning to the country in the coming days.

The Belgian’s silence does not change the fact that his contract with Bafana expired at the end of the World Cup. As it stands, he will have to negotiate a renewal with Safa, likely competing alongside other applicants for the job.

Meanwhile, Safa is working tirelessly behind the scenes on the recruitment process.

The technical director committee chairperson, Jack Maluleke, recently confirmed that they have received a host of applications, including one from Mosimane.

Because Safa publicly revealed Mosimane’s application, many already believe he is the frontrunner to succeed Broos. Kopo echoed this sentiment, endorsing Mosimane as the ideal candidate to lead the team forward due to the need for continuity and local expertise.