Johannesburg – Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has criticised SAFA over the delay in appointing Pitso Mosimane as Bafana Bafana coach, saying the former national team mentor should earn the same salary as his predecessor, Hugo Broos.
Although SAFA’s NEC reportedly approved Mosimane’s appointment earlier this month, the association has yet to make an official announcement.
McKenzie questioned why Mosimane would have to justify earning more when Broos was paid significantly more for the same position.
“Pitso must be paid what Hugo Broos has been paid,” McKenzie said.
The Sports Minister linked the salary debate to what he described as the lingering effects of apartheid, arguing that South Africa must confront perceptions that undervalue black professionals.
WATCH | “Pitso must be paid what Hugo Broos has been paid.” Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie weighs in on the stalled appointment of Pitso Mosimane as Bafana Bafana coach, while confirming VAR will be rolled out. pic.twitter.com/tMNzQHcNvG
— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) August 27, 2026
“It is that apartheid legacy in our brains to worth a black man less than he is worth a white man,” he said.
McKenzie said Mosimane’s record should speak for itself, pointing to the coach’s success at club and international level.
“Pitso, as we say, he has won cups. Pitso has built a name, and Pitso is our product,” he said.
SAFA and Mosimane have reportedly agreed in principle on a package worth about R10 million a year, but the appointment remains unresolved over legal matters unrelated to his remuneration.
Mosimane previously served as Bafana Bafana caretaker coach in 2007 before taking permanent charge from 2010 to 2012.
His potential return comes as Bafana prepare for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea next month.
Mosimane has previously spoken about his desire to return to the national team and win the AFCON with South Africa.
Speaking on the Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Podcast, Mosimane said winning the continental title with Bafana would complete his career.
“This is the medal that I want to close everything. That’s the medal I don’t have on the continent.”
He said he would accept the opportunity immediately if it were offered.
I asked Pitso Mosimane if he would consider returning to coach Bafana Bafana.
“I would sign the contract today.” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MfTnoD78E3
— Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh (@SizweMpofuWalsh) February 19, 2026
“If you ask me today, yeah, you would sign the contract, I’ll sign it today.”
Mosimane also expressed confidence in the current generation of South African players, pointing to the experience gained by players competing in continental competitions with Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
He said South Africa has the quality to challenge for the AFCON title and that winning the tournament would be a historic achievement.
With Bafana’s next qualifiers approaching, attention now turns to whether SAFA and Mosimane can resolve the outstanding issues and formalise his return to the national team.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/ Pitso Mosimane
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
