Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has shed light on why players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were used sparingly during the recent international break. The two teams are set to face each other in the MTN8 final on Saturday. Mosimane's strategy was to protect the players, including Khulumani Ndamane and Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns and Tshepang Moremi of Orlando Pirates, ahead of the crucial domestic match. This approach was taken to avoid any potential injuries that could affect the final.
Mosimane's team secured a 1-0 win against Egypt in an international friendly on Sunday night. The coach was pleased with the result and performance, especially given that a largely makeshift team was fielded. The team that played against Egypt was different from the one that defeated Guinea and Eritrea in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers. Newcomers Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane made their Bafana debuts, impressing their teammates, coach, and fans.
The Bafana Bafana squad comprised several players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. This made it essential for Mosimane to monitor their playing time and workload. Players like Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Tshepang Moremi, and Sipho Chaine from Pirates, and Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners, and Cassius Mailula from Sundowns, were all part of the team. Mosimane had to balance their playing time to ensure they were not overexerted.
Mosimane handed Nkosinathi Sibisi a late introduction in the game against Egypt to manage his workload, as Sibisi was returning from an injury. The coach also provided an update on Aubrey Modiba's availability for the MTN8 final. Modiba participated in the last training session, and Mosimane expressed hope that he might be available for the final. This was a crucial consideration, given the importance of the match.
Mosimane denied allegations that he favored Sundowns players, who were injured during camp. The coach emphasized the need to support both teams and their players. He stated that protecting the players was essential to avoid accusations of favoritism. Mosimane's approach was to ensure that all players were treated fairly and that no team had an unfair advantage.
A win for either Sundowns or Pirates would be a significant achievement, given their strong start to the season. Sundowns are currently top of the log with 20 points, one point ahead of Pirates, who have a game in hand. The MTN8 final is set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the top teams in the league.
Mosimane's strategy ahead of the MTN8 final has been influenced by his desire to maintain a strong relationship with both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. The coach believes that supporting the teams and their players is crucial for their success. With a positive result in the MTN8 final, one of the teams will cap off their impressive start to the season.
Key points
- Mosimane protected Pirates and Sundowns players ahead of the MTN8 final to avoid injuries and accusations of favoritism.
- Bafana Bafana secured a 1-0 win against Egypt in an international friendly with a largely makeshift team.
- The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
