Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has outlined his vision for the national team's backroom staff ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea. Mosimane's technical team includes part-time specialists, such as newly appointed goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo. Mashilo has worked with Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns and has experience working with top goalkeepers. Mosimane emphasized that Mashilo's track record speaks for itself, despite not having a high-profile name.
Mosimane's locally grounded technical setup is an intentional philosophy aimed at elevating South African coaching credentials on the international stage. The coaching team includes long-time performance analyst Musi Matlaba and fitness coach Kabelo Rangoaga. Tshepo Leuta Mahao joins as a technical data analyst to bolster the department. Mosimane highlighted the importance of supporting local coaches and giving them international experience within Bafana.
Another technical member expected to join Bafana on a part-time basis is AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane. Mosimane noted that some coaches cannot be employed on a full-time basis, so they will join during camps. The head coach expressed satisfaction with the current setup, having worked well with Matlaba and Rangoaga.
Turning his attention to squad readiness, Mosimane confirmed that local players reported to camp on Sunday without incident. The overseas-based contingent is filtering in gradually following their weekend club commitments. Mosimane mentioned that some players, such as Puso Dithejane, will take time to arrive due to travel distances.
Mosimane confirmed that Luther Singh and Samukele Kabini have already joined the team. The head coach expressed confidence that all overseas players will report for duty. Bafana Bafana kick off their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Guinea on Saturday at 3 pm at Orlando Stadium.
The team will then depart for Cairo to face Eritrea. Mosimane's part-time coaching structure has been a subject of interest, with some questioning the appointment of coaches with limited international experience. However, Mosimane is confident that his team will deliver results.
The Bafana Bafana squad has been assembling at their camp, with the coaching team working to prepare the players for the upcoming qualifiers. Mosimane's vision for the team is centered around developing local talent and promoting South African coaching credentials.
Key points
- Mosimane's part-time coaching structure aims to support local coaches and give them international experience within Bafana.
- The coaching team includes part-time specialists, such as Marcus Mashilo, who has worked with top goalkeepers.
- Bafana Bafana kick off their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Guinea on Saturday at 3 pm at Orlando Stadium.
