Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is looking to emulate the depth and quality of the Springboks, the reigning rugby world champions, within the South African men's senior national soccer team. Mosimane expressed his admiration for how the Springboks operate, praising the depth in quality that Bok coach Rassie Erasmus and his technical team have built. He wants to build a similarly strong squad with quality in the starting lineup, on the bench, and among players on the fringes.
Mosimane's vision for Bafana Bafana comes ahead of the team's bid to qualify for a third successive Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) against Guinea on September 26, 2026, at Orlando Stadium. The match will set the tone for the post-Hugo Broos era, and Mosimane is optimistic about the team's chances. He highlighted the competition for positions, such as the right-back role, where first-choice Khuliso Mudau is out with a ruptured Achilles injury, but strong options like Thabang Matuludi and Kamogelo Sebelebele are available.
Mosimane emphasized the importance of stacking options and learning from the Springboks, who can play anybody in any position due to their talented squad. He wants to create a similar culture in South African soccer, where players are given opportunities to develop and showcase their skills. Mosimane's approach is long-term, focusing on building a strong team that can compete at the highest level.
As one of the continent's most successful tacticians, Mosimane has influenced the careers of several South African coaches, including Rulani Mokwena, who is now coaching Egyptian outfit Pyramids. Former Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler is coaching Ghanaian outfit Asante Kotoko, while Steve Barker is at Tanzania's Simba. Mosimane's former assistant, Manqoba Mngqithi, is mentoring Simba's rivals, Young Africans.
Mosimane aims to use his time with Bafana Bafana to alter the landscape of youth soccer in South Africa. He launched Pitso Mosimane Youth Football in 2023, focusing on developing young players. Mosimane wants junior national teams to follow a similar route, with 18-year-old players playing regularly in the SA Premiership. He cited Spain's success in the 2026 World Cup as an example of the importance of grassroots soccer.
Bafana Bafana's quest to compete in the 2027 Afcon, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will see them take on Guinea, Eritrea, and the Kenyans. Interestingly, Kenya is coached by Bafana's all-time top goal scorer, Benni McCarthy. According to CAF rules, host nations must participate in the qualification process to ensure competitive balance and match fitness.
The 2027 Afcon qualification process will follow the standard procedure, with two teams qualifying from most groups. However, in the group with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, only one team will qualify, with the host nation automatically qualifying if they finish first. The second-placed teams will qualify if the host nation finishes first. Mosimane is focused on achieving success with Bafana Bafana and making a lasting impact on South African soccer.
Key points
- Mosimane aims to build squad depth like the Springboks.
- He wants to alter the landscape of youth soccer in South Africa.
- Bafana Bafana faces Guinea, Eritrea, and Kenya in the 2027 Afcon qualification process.
