Minister Gayton McKenzie Calls Out SAFA Over Pitso Mosimane Pay

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is set to officially announce Pitso Mosimane’s return as head coach of Bafana Bafana this week, succeeding Hugo Broos. Mosimane, who previously coached the national team between 2010 and 2012, brings with him a decorated résumé that includes successful stints at Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Al Wahda, among others. His appointment has already ignited strong reactions, particularly around issues of pay equity and respect for black coaches.

Mosimane’s coaching journey is one of Africa’s most celebrated. He guided Mamelodi Sundowns to their first CAF Champions League triumph in 2016, before leading Al Ahly to back-to-back continental titles in 2020 and 2021. More recently, he managed Al Wahda in the UAE and Al Ahli Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, cementing his reputation as a coach capable of delivering success across different football cultures. His return to Bafana Bafana is seen as both a homecoming and a chance to complete unfinished business.

At the South African Sports Awards in Sun City, Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie made headlines by insisting Mosimane must be paid at least the same as his predecessor Hugo Broos. “I’m being told that Pitso Mosimane is our coach. We must also be honest; we come from a country where black people were paid less than white people,” McKenzie told reporters.

The Minister’s remarks struck a chord with many South Africans who feel that local coaches, particularly black coaches, have historically been undervalued compared to their foreign counterparts. “That scar has not been healed by many people. But we, as black people, cannot do the same thing that was done to us, where you pay the white man more,” McKenzie added, emphasizing the need for fairness in SAFA’s negotiations.

McKenzie was direct in his criticism of SAFA’s handling of the matter. “They [SAFA] love crisis; that is their problem. Even when things can be sorted out easily, they make it a crisis,” he said, highlighting frustrations with the association’s perceived lack of transparency and efficiency. His comments have added pressure on SAFA to ensure Mosimane’s contract reflects both his stature and the principles of equity.

Mosimane’s return comes at a critical time. South Africa is preparing for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they have been drawn against Kenya, Guinea, and Eritrea. With the tournament jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, expectations are high that Bafana Bafana will not only qualify but also make a deep run under Mosimane’s leadership.

SAFA confirmed the NEC’s approval of Mosimane’s appointment, though final contractual details remain under discussion. “The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National Executive Committee approved the appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana coach.SAFA held a successful NEC Extraordinary Meeting at SAFA House on Saturday, 8 August 2026 and the Members backed Mosimane to return to the South African senior men’s national and replace Hugo Broos, who stepped down a few days ago.”

For many fans, Mosimane’s return represents a chance to restore pride in the national jersey. His tactical acumen, motivational skills, and proven ability to win at the highest level make him a popular choice. Supporters believe his blend of experience and familiarity with South African football culture will be crucial in reigniting Bafana Bafana’s competitive edge.

The debate over his salary, however, underscores broader issues in South African sport. McKenzie’s insistence that Mosimane be paid fairly is not just about one coach—it reflects a wider call for transformation and equality in football administration. His words have sparked conversations about how local talent is valued compared to foreign imports.

As anticipation builds for SAFA’s formal announcement, Mosimane’s appointment is already shaping up to be more than just a footballing decision. It is a moment that touches on history, justice, and national pride. Whether on the pitch or in the boardroom, his return is set to redefine the narrative around Bafana Bafana and the respect owed to African coaches.