SAFA president Danny Jordaan has identified the 2030 World Cup as the defining objective of Pitso Mosimane’s return as Bafana Bafana head coach, while demanding consistent success in Africa’s leading competitions.
Mosimane has returned to the national team job 14 years after his previous spell ended, when he failed to guide South Africa to qualification for a major tournament during his two-year tenure.
Jordaan said the association would give Mosimane its full backing as he attempts to establish Bafana as regular contenders on the international stage.
“From this day, we will rally behind the coach. We will support the coach,” Jordaan said at SAFA House on Tuesday. “I’ve known him for many years, I’ve worked with him and I look forward to renewing our partnership and continuing to work in the interest of South African football and our national team.”
Jordaan outlined three competitions as the priorities for Mosimane, beginning with the Africa Cup of Nations and a new African Nations League competition that will replace the African Nations Championship, known as CHAN.
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SAFA also hopes to bid to host the Nations League final, adding another potential opportunity for South Africa to stage a major continental event.
But the 2030 World Cup, to be hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco, remains the ultimate ambition.
“That is the major objective for SAFA,” Jordaan said, describing South Africa’s involvement as particularly significant given Morocco will become only the second African country to host the World Cup.
The Cosafa Cup will meanwhile provide Mosimane with an opportunity to assess players outside his established squad.
Jordaan said the regional tournament would act as a pathway for emerging talent, allowing the coach to identify players capable of progressing into senior international competition.
Those selections, he added, would ultimately be Mosimane’s decision, with SAFA prepared to support his approach.