Pitso Mosimane outlines Bafana Bafana selection approach ahead of first assignment

Newly re-appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has addressed the questions surrounding his approach to player selection, with his first assignment in charge now just a month away.

Mosimane was asked how he intends to assess and choose players following his return to the national team role. His comments focused on the opportunities available to footballers and the importance of considering players who have not previously been given the chance to feature.

The coach’s response included the observation: “They didn’t get a chance to play..” That remark formed part of his explanation of how he views selection decisions and the circumstances that can prevent players from making an impression.

Mosimane’s return means attention is now turning to the squad he will assemble for his first match back in charge. With that assignment approaching in one month, the process of identifying his preferred players has become an immediate issue for Bafana Bafana.

The newly re-appointed coach responded to questions shortly after his return was confirmed. Rather than discussing only the names that have already been regular members of the national team, Mosimane was asked to explain the principles that would guide his choices.

His answer indicated that selection would involve looking at players who may not have had an opportunity to play. The comment, “They didn’t get a chance to play..”, reflected the focus of the questions put to him and provided an insight into the issue he was addressing.

The discussion comes as Mosimane prepares to begin another spell with Bafana Bafana. His first assignment is only a month away, leaving limited time before his plans and selection decisions face their first test.

The comments were made in a video released after his re-appointment. The footage features Mosimane responding to questions about his selections and includes further remarks from the coach, who is also known as ‘jingles’.

The video offers a closer look at what Mosimane had to say soon after being given the responsibility of leading Bafana Bafana again. It focuses specifically on his views regarding player selection as he prepares for the next stage of his time with the national team.

For now, the central issue is how those views will shape the squad for the upcoming assignment. Mosimane has spoken about the players who did not get a chance to play, while the full significance of that approach will become clearer when his selections are made.

His return has therefore brought immediate attention to the balance between established choices and players seeking an opportunity. The coach’s remarks provide the early indication of the thinking behind his selections, with the first assignment now only a month away.

More comments from ‘jingles’ are included in the video, in which Mosimane discusses his selection approach shortly after his re-appointment as Bafana Bafana head coach.