Pitso Mosimane is asking for what Hugo Broos had

Hugo Broos was also given time to implement his ideas during his tenure, something Da Gama believes should now be afforded to Mosimane as he begins his second spell in charge.

Mosimane started his return with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but some supporters have already questioned his selections, tactics and perceived preference for players from former club Mamelodi Sundowns.

HUGO BROOS GOT IT, NOW PITSO MOSIMANE NEEDS IT

Some fans have accused Mosimane of trying to appease his former employers by favouring Sundowns players and their style of football. Da Gama, however, believes the coach is being judged differently because he is South African.

“I just feel sometimes we are being unfair to Pitso because he’s a South African,” Da Gama told Kick Off. The former Orlando Pirates coach believes Broos also made decisions during his tenure that supporters could have questioned, but was afforded more understanding.

“There are a lot of other things Hugo Broos did and changes he made that people overlooked. We need to understand that Pitso has got to do things his way. He needs a chance. I mean, it was his first game.”

Da Gama says Mosimane understands South African football and should be allowed to establish his own identity with Bafana Bafana. “We can’t criticise everything he says or does,” averred De Gama.

The former coach does not believe criticism should be avoided altogether. Instead, he wants supporters to focus on questions that can help the national team improve.

“Yes, there are questions that have got to be asked, but they have got to be constructive and objective. He didn’t have much time with the players.”

PITSO MOSIMANE MUST BE ALLOWED TO ADAPT

Da Gama also pointed to the contrasting football philosophies at South Africa’s biggest clubs. Players moving between Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs have to adapt to different coaches and tactical systems.

“There are different coaches at Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, and they all play different types of football.”

He believes the same principle applies when players join Bafana Bafana, where they must adjust to a new environment and tactical demands.

“Players move from South Africa abroad, and they adapt to their new ways of playing without a problem. It’s a different coach, a different culture. So, it’s the national team and the national team is a different culture. It’s the highest level of football; it’s international football.”

Da Gama believes that adjustment must come from everyone involved with the national team, including the supporters. “He is one of our own, and if you look at history, there’s no international coach who has won the FIFA World Cup. It’s only the locals.”

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