Pitso Mosimane, the 62-year-old coach of Bafana Bafana, has expressed enthusiasm for the rising generation of new stars in his squad as he begins his second stint with the national team. Mosimane's return comes ahead of two crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. He has called up an exciting squad that retains the core of predecessor Hugo Broos's combination, with some interesting additions. Mosimane's wealth of experience, gained as a pathfinder for South African coaches internationally, is expected to be an asset in his second stint.
Mosimane has recalled one-time youth prodigy Luther Singh after a five-year hiatus, and forward Shandre Campbell, who has shown promise scoring a goal in six games at new club KV Kortrijk. The coach believes he has begun bolstering the depth in the team with the inclusion of these players. Mosimane's squad also includes Kaizer Chiefs youth product Puso Dithejane, who has been scoring for Chicago Fire, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who had a stellar World Cup. These additions bring optimism to the team as they prepare for the Afcon qualifiers.
The form of five overseas players has buoyed the depth and confidence of Mosimane's team. Relebohile Mofokeng has scored four goals in nine starts at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, while Cassius Mailula has also shown promise. Thapelo Maseko, who scored against South Korea, has landed at FC Copenhagen and has had a successful start, including a brace in the Danish Superliga. These players, along with Olwethu Makhanya, have caught the eye of Mosimane and are expected to play a key role in the team's Afcon qualifying campaign.
Makhanya, a 22-year-old centreback, has been earning rave reviews since his £3m move from Philadelphia Union to Rangers. He has impressed in successive Old Firm derbies, scoring a goal and helping his team to a 3-0 League Cup quarterfinal win and a 1-0 Premiership victory. Mosimane has hinted that Makhanya's form may make it hard to leave him out of the team for the upcoming Afcon qualifiers. The coach has praised Makhanya's mental capacity and talent, saying that he has shown he can play at a high level.
Mosimane has emphasized the importance of competition within the team, saying that players must be under pressure to perform. He has praised the depth of the squad, citing players like Luther Singh, Oswin Appollis, and Cassius Mailula as examples of the talent available. The coach has also highlighted the growth of young players like Makhanya, Dithejane, and Maseko, who are all 22 years old or younger. Mosimane believes that this youthful talent will be crucial in Bafana Bafana's continued emergence as a competitive team.
Bafana Bafana's Afcon qualifying campaign is crucial to the team's continued growth and Mosimane's tenure as coach. The team must build on their better competitiveness in the Afcon, where they reached a best finish of third in 2024. Mosimane's task is to hit the ground running without the luxury of any warm-up matches to experiment and implement his philosophy. The coach is under pressure to deliver results, but he is optimistic about the team's chances, citing the talent and depth of the squad.
The upcoming Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea will be a significant test for Mosimane's team. The coach has emphasized the importance of these matches, saying that they will be crucial in determining the team's chances of qualifying for the Afcon. Mosimane's experience and the team's talent will be key factors in their success. The coach has hinted that he may make changes to the team, including promoting young players like Makhanya, to ensure that Bafana Bafana remains competitive.
Key points
- Mosimane hints at promoting Olwethu Makhanya to the starting lineup due to his impressive form for Rangers.
- Bafana Bafana faces crucial Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
- Mosimane has called up a youthful squad with a mix of experienced and young players.
