South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, has welcomed back coach Pitso Mosimane, who begins his second stint in charge, replacing Hugo Broos. Mosimane expressed satisfaction with the team's spirit as players arrived for his first camp since his return on Monday. The team is preparing for their two opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
Mosimane announced that his technical team has been completed with the appointment of Marcus Mashilo as goalkeeper coach. Mashilo, who worked with Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns in the late 2010s, has a solid track record and will also assist new Bafana analyst Musi Matlaba. This appointment brings a sense of continuity and expertise to the team.
Mashilo replaces former goalkeeper coach Grant Johnson, who worked with Broos, including at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America. Mosimane praised Mashilo's experience, stating that he may not be a big name but has been around and has worked with top coaches. Mashilo's appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team's goalkeeping department.
The squad assembled in Johannesburg on Sunday, and Mosimane had all his local-based and some foreign-based players at training on Monday. The rest of the international brigade is expected to arrive by Wednesday. Mosimane expressed satisfaction with the team's attendance, stating that it sends a positive message about the players' commitment to the team.
Mosimane's technical team includes former Botswana head coach Morena Ramoreboli as assistant, while Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaga, conditioning coach, had already been appointed. The team's preparations are on track, with the first qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday and Eritrea at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on September 30.
Mosimane welcomed back forward Luther Singh, who returns to the national squad after a five-year absence, and right-back Samukele Kabini, who plays for Molde FK in Norway. The team's foreign-based contingent is expected to arrive on time, and Mosimane expressed satisfaction with the team's overall preparation.
Mosimane emphasized that the team's goal is to start fresh and move forward from their World Cup appearance. He stated that no player feels entitled to be in the team, and everyone is expected to earn their place. With the technical team in place and the squad assembling, Mosimane is optimistic about the team's chances in the upcoming qualifiers.
Key points
- Pitso Mosimane completes Bafana Bafana technical team with appointment of goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo.
- Bafana Bafana prepares for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
- Mosimane emphasizes team's commitment and fresh start after World Cup appearance.
