Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana era begins with Orlando Pirates targeting 13 points lead at Mbombela

Orlando Pirates, Betway Premiership champions, will be the first to make an impression on newly appointed Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane when they face Kruger United in a league match at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night. A 3-0 victory for Pirates would increase their lead to 13 points over Mamelodi Sundowns, who are currently tied at 10.

Sundowns will face another new team, Milford FC, at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday. Kruger United, who have lost three and drawn one in their opening four league games, conceding seven goals and scoring just two, are expected to be a pushover for Pirates. Mosimane, who previously coached Sundowns, was appointed by SAFA on September 1, 31 days after Hugo Broos left the post.

The delay in appointing Mosimane was due to salary negotiations and the selection of his technical staff. SAFA initially offered Mosimane R5 million per year, but doubled their offer after a standoff. However, two more weeks passed before his preferred technical team members were settled. Mosimane faces a challenging task as Bafana will start their qualifiers in 25 days, facing Guinea on September 26, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup participants hosting the match.