Pitso Mosimane Faces First Clubless Year in Over Two Decades

For the first time since 1999, Pitso Mosimane finds himself without a managerial post, marking the longest period the celebrated South African coach has gone without a team in more than 20 years. The “Jingles” era, which began as an assistant at SuperSport United, has seen him rise to continental prominence, but since leaving Iranian giants Esteghlal in January 2025 due to unpaid salaries, he has yet to take up a new role.

This one-year hiatus is unusual for Mosimane, whose career has typically been defined by near-constant activity and success. His name has been linked to several possibilities, including a return to Mamelodi Sundowns and a move to Kaizer Chiefs, but speculation has been strongest around the Bafana Bafana job. With Hugo Broos set to step down six months after the FIFA World Cup, many see an opening for Mosimane to reclaim the national team role and complete unfinished business from his previous tenure.

Mosimane’s past spell with Bafana Bafana ended in disappointment, yet his later achievements at Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Al-Ahli have strengthened calls for his return. Analysts and fans alike suggest the extended break could be strategic, allowing him to wait for the right opportunity rather than rush into a club role.

The footballing landscape is watching closely to see whether Mosimane will take the national team helm or explore another high-profile club assignment. His one-year hiatus may well be a calculated pause, preserving his reputation while positioning him for a return at the highest level of South African football.