Mosimane hints at Bafana changes but warns against sweeping away the old guard
New Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has hinted at changes to the squad.
However, he insists he will not discard the players who helped build the team’s recent success.
Mosimane, 62, was unveiled as Hugo Broos’ successor on Tuesday.
Broos guided Bafana to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He also helped the team qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time. Mosimane’s first major task will be the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Bafana face Guinea at home before travelling to Eritrea later this month. The coach says he has inherited a strong foundation.
However, he wants to give opportunities to players who have not had enough chances with the national team.
“I’m not carrying the biggest broom to sweep here,” said Mosimane. “We have a very good foundation of a team that went to the World Cup.
“Unfortunately, we have about five major injuries, and those players won’t be available.
“So, we need to replace those players; it’s very important. There’s no time.”
Mosimane also revealed that he is monitoring players performing well overseas.
“There are a few emerging talents, players who are doing exceptionally well abroad,” he said.
“We know about them, and we’re looking into that. But the main focus is the two qualifiers.”
Mosimane also plans to use a friendly match to assess players who have not had enough opportunities.
He mentioned Samkelo Kabini as one of the players who deserves a chance.
“Kabini has never been given a chance to play, so we have to see them also,” he said.
“They were in the World Cup; they didn’t get a chance to play, but they are also part of the team.”
The coach says the experienced players will remain important. At the same time, he wants to introduce new talent gradually.
“We have a team that you and I know very well that has to lead us to qualify for the AFCON,” Mosimane added. “But in the process, we will give opportunities to other players.”
He believes the friendly match will provide an ideal opportunity to assess the squad.
Players who featured at the World Cup but received limited game time could also benefit.
Mosimane says the door is also open to players who have impressed internationally but have not yet been called up.
“So, they have an opportunity to be seen,” he said. “There are also others who have not been called up, but they’ve raised their hands internationally and are playing at a good level. So that’s the plan.”
