There is a simple reason Mosimane remains a serious option. His recent club pedigree is hard to ignore.
That matters for a federation looking for certainty. A coach with proven authority, continental experience and a clear football identity will always attract attention when a major post opens.
The complication is equally clear. Mosimane’s first South Africa spell ended in 2012, and the report says criticism of his tactical decisions, especially after a decisive qualifier against Sierra Leone, still shapes the conversation.
That is the central issue here. Club dominance does not automatically translate to international success. National-team coaching offers less time on the training ground, fewer chances to refine patterns and far less margin for error. A manager can be outstanding over a long club season and still find international football awkward.
What has changed is experience. The years since 2012 appear to have strengthened Mosimane’s case considerably. Winning in Africa at the highest club level demands adaptability, dressing-room control and knockout-game composure.
If South Africa wants a coach who knows the continent and has handled expectation before, Mosimane will stay near the top of the shortlist. The next major point to watch is whether that interest becomes a formal appointment as preparations build toward the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.