This comes despite strong reports that SAFA had agreed terms with Pitso Mosimane to take charge of Bafana Bafana. However, the expected announcement has stalled, raising fresh questions about the association’s plans.
A new report from France has now linked Poyet with the job. The report claims Algeria are currently leading the race for the Uruguayan coach, but South Africa and Poland have also shown interest.
POYET HAS IMPRESSIVE COACHING CV
“Discussions are very mature between the FAF and Gustavo Poyet for the Verts’ bench,” the French outlet Onze reported. It added that Poyet is attracted by the opportunity with Algeria, while also being courted by Poland and Bafana Bafana.
Poyet began his coaching career in England, initially working as an assistant before taking charge of Brighton & Hove Albion in 2009.
He quickly made his mark at the club, guiding Brighton to the League One title in 2011 with an attractive, possession-based style of football.
The Uruguayan later moved into the Premier League with Sunderland in 2013. He famously helped the club escape what appeared to be an almost impossible relegation situation before taking them to the League Cup final in 2014.
His career then took him around the world. Poyet managed clubs including AEK Athens, Real Betis, Shanghai Shenhua, Bordeaux and Universidad Católica.
He also enjoyed major domestic success in South Korea, where he managed Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and guided the club to a domestic double, winning both the K League 1 title and the Korean Cup.
POYET IMPRESSED WITH GREECE, BAFANA BAFANA POSSIBLE?
The biggest chapter of Poyet’s international coaching career came with Greece between 2022 and 2024.
He revitalised the national team and introduced a modern tactical approach that helped Greece secure promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League.
Poyet also took Greece to the brink of qualifying for Euro 2024. However, their hopes ended in a painful penalty shootout defeat.
Now, with Poyet available as a free agent, his name has unexpectedly entered the Bafana Bafana conversation. The situation surrounding Mosimane remains unclear, while Algeria reportedly lead the race for Poyet.
For SAFA, the next few days could therefore prove crucial as the association decides who will lead Bafana Bafana into the next chapter.
