South Africa have named Pitso Mosimane as the new head coach of the national side, Bafana Bafana.

South Africa have named Pitso Mosimane as the new head coach of the national side, Bafana Bafana.

The former assistant to World Cup coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has been handed a four-year contract.

His first job is to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, then the same competition in Libya in 2013.

The term of the deal also spans the all-important qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I feel extremely privileged to be promoted to head coach," the former SuperSport United boss said at a Johannesburg news conference confirming his appointment.

"It's my vision to take Bafana Bafana to a higher level at the 2014 World Cup.

"At some stage, I may make an error or two and if that's the case, I believe I'll have the grace to accept it, correct it and learn from it."

Mosimane has been set various targets by Safa, according to its chief executive, Leslie Sedibe.

"It's critical to qualify for the Nations Cup and Brazil 2014, and the coach understands the mandate and expectation from the people of South Africa," Sedibe said.

Mosimane has asked that Jairo Leal, another Parreira assistant, and fitness trainer Francisco Gonzalez be retained.

"I'd like to thank Parreira for all the mentoring and confidence he's shown in me," said Mosimane.

Mosimane rose to prominence when leading local side SuperSport United to two cup trophies and to two league runner-up places between 2001 and 2006.

He has been caretaker coach of South Africa once before, leading the side to three victories and three draws from seven games in 2006.

From 2007, he worked under Parreira who strongly advocated his nomination for the post once Bafana Bafana's World Cup dream had ended.

Bafana Bafana's next competitive match is in September when they host Niger for their inaugural 2012 Nations Cup qualifier.

Sierra Leone and the reigning African champions Egypt are the other teams in their group.