Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has clarified that he did not dismiss previous backroom members, but instead assembled an entirely new technical team after Hugo Broos' entire staff departed. Mosimane, known for his attacking football style, is back at Bafana Bafana aiming to deliver success and improved performances. He faced the media alongside captain Ronwen Williams ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Mosimane has kept the bulk of the squad that played in the World Cup under Broos, vowing that most would start in Soweto on Saturday. However, this may not be the case for long as Mosimane plans to instil his own philosophy, particularly regarding their style of play. He quickly assembled a strong technical setup, including assistant Morena Ramoreboli, head of performance Musi Matlaba, strength and fitness coach Kabelo Rangoaga, and goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo.
Mosimane addressed suggestions that he refused to work with members of the Broos era, including former assistant Helman Mkhalele. He stated that he did not take anybody out and that no one was left when he arrived. Mosimane explained that he had to put together a new team and bring in new staff, saying "I had to put this thing together, and bring Kabelo and Musi, and say: 'We have been on this journey for a long time. Let’s see what we can do.'"
Mosimane stressed that Bafana cannot afford to falter, especially on home soil, as they face Guinea in their opening group clash. He emphasized the importance of trying to get the three points and win, saying "We are trying our best to do what we can do. As you are telling me about the philosophy, which one out of the last four games? Maybe adopt the last one. It's life. All these things don’t work, but trying to get the three points and win."
The coach also discussed his plans to mirror the Springboks' squad-building model by integrating promising young talent to create long-term depth for South African football. This approach aims to drive a youth revolution in Bafana Bafana and ensure a sustainable future for the team.
Mosimane's counterpart, Kenya coach Benni McCarthy, has expressed respect for Mosimane's Bafana Bafana return but insisted his full loyalty lies with Kenya ahead of their upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Meanwhile, Guinea coach Paulo Duarte skipped his pre-match press conference, intensifying pressure on the squad ahead of their crucial Afcon qualifiers opener.
The match against Guinea is a crucial one for Bafana Bafana, and Mosimane is focused on securing a win. With his new technical team in place, Mosimane is eager to make an impact and start a new chapter in Bafana Bafana's history.
Key points
- Pitso Mosimane did not dismiss previous backroom staff but assembled a new technical team.
- Mosimane plans to instil his own philosophy, particularly regarding Bafana Bafana's style of play.
- Bafana Bafana cannot afford to falter, especially on home soil, in their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Guinea.
