Sports
Mokoena Backs Pitso For Bafana Bafana Job
Although an official announcement has yet to be made, Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has endorsed Pitso Mosimane’s appointment as national team coach.
South Africa Football Association (SAFA) has quardedly announced last night that they had ‘reached an agreement’ with Mosimane to take over the national team following the departure of Carlos Alberto Parreira, but added that some matters needed to be cleared before it became final.
‘Mbazo’ has not waited for confirmation and tells Tidesports source that, “Pitso has been in the foundation of Bafana Bafana and he knows the ins and outs of the team.
“Yes, there are lots of good coaches out there that can take the post, but the fact that we have the foundation, we need someone from within the structure to build on this foundation,” Mokoena said.
The Portsmouth skipper has revealed that Mosimane has already shared his vision with the players.
“Firstly, it’s all about development, we had a chat with Pitso and we said that development can be much better in football in South Africa, I’m sure his appointment can make a difference to South African football.
“I’ve been working with him for years and I know what kind of manager he is. I look forward to working with him if he gets the job,” Mokoena added.
According to the Daily Dispatch report, despite SAFA sitting the whole day before agreeing Mosimane is their man, they were, however, concerned about his salary package.
“We are thinking of making an announcement today, but there are still a number of things that we have to sort out,” Fanyana Sibanyoni the chairman of the SAFA technical committee said yesterday.
Sibanyoni’s assertion follows after SAFA president, Kirsten Nematandani, confirmed that Mosimane will indeed coach.
There were initial fears the appointment of Mosimane would give rise to massive restrictions, with the team controlled more from the boardroom than on the pitch itself.
However, Nematandani has quashed those fears, saying SAFA will be there to help out if needed not in an interfering manner.
“He is the one who will work with the national team and it is absolutely up to him to decide whom he will have next to him. It is his call. We want to make sure that he gets everything that he wants so that he does not have to stress about minor off-the-field stuff,” Nematandani said.
SAFA has been dilly-dallying in confirming Mosimane as national team boss since Bafana bombed out in the first round of the World Cup tournament.
This will put pressure on Mosimane as he will have his work cut out with the qualifiers for the next Africa Cup of Nations starting in September where Bafana are in a difficult group with Niger, Sierra Leone and defending champion Egypt.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
Business3 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business3 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers3 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business3 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News3 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Rivers3 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers3 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment3 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna