The South African Football Association (SAFA) NEC has approved Mosimane’s appointment. Reports indicate that an agreement over his salary has also been reached.
LUCKY LEKGWATHI EXPLAINS LOCAL ADVANTAGE
Lekgwathi believes having a local coach can make a major difference to players who may feel restricted under foreign coaches.
“It’s good to have a local coach. I remember my first cap; Shakes Mashaba was the coach,” Lekgwathi told the media at a Betway Clubhouse event in Johannesburg.
The former Bafana Bafana defender explained that local coaches tend to create an environment where players feel comfortable expressing themselves.
“You know, local coaches like to give you freedom to express yourself, compared to European coaches, where sometimes you are scared,” he said.
Lekgwathi also used Relebohile Mofokeng as an example of a young player who could benefit from Mosimane’s appointment.
“You look at players like Rele (Mofokeng). People say he didn’t play, but I think the other reason was that the coach was from Europe. If he can get a local coach, he will show his talent.”
Mofokeng struggled for regular opportunities under former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, despite establishing himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents.
PITSO MOSIMANE GETS LEKGWATHI SUPPORT
Lekgwathi believes Mosimane can also build stronger communication with the players because of his understanding of the local football environment.
“It’s easy to communicate with a local coach,” he explained. The former Pirates captain recalled how players could approach local coaches more freely when they wanted tactical changes.
“Even when I was at Pirates, having a European or a local coach, mostly you would go to the local coach to say, ‘we want to change the pattern and the system,’ and he would allow you.”
Mosimane is expected to return to the Bafana hot seat for the first time since managing the national team between 2010 and 2012. SAFA’s NEC endorsed his appointment earlier this month as the successor to Hugo Broos, whose tenure ended after South Africa reached the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With 2027 AFCON qualifying approaching, Mosimane will have little time to settle into the role.
Lekgwathi believes he deserves the backing of South African football.
“I think he deserves a chance. He needs our support.”
