Pitso Mosimane will not hand out favours, says AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane

Arthur Zwane says Pitso Mosimane will select players on merit rather than reputation after no AmaZulu FC player was included in the new Bafana Bafana preliminary squad.

Mosimane, who recently became Bafana Bafana’s new mentor, named a 35-man squad for the forthcoming fixtures against Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt. The selection covers the upcoming AFCON qualifiers and an international friendly.

AmaZulu have several players who have attracted attention since last season, including Athini Maqokolo, Nkosikhona Radebe and Siyanda Hlangabeza. However, none of the club’s squad was included in Mosimane’s initial group.

Zwane believes his players can still force their way into the national team, but says they must maintain a high level of consistency if they are to earn recognition.

The AmaZulu coach also pointed to Mosimane’s record of selecting players who perform well, saying the new Bafana Bafana boss has previously shown that strong form can lead to an opportunity.

“Look, it’s too early, man, when I say it’s too early, I don’t mean that they don’t deserve to be in the national team. When I say it’s too early, I don’t mean also that they’re not good enough,” said Zwane.

“But at the moment, in everything that is happening in football, there’s this thing called continuity. So we’ve got to give the support and respect to the national team particularly, coach Pitso, because he’s been there, he knows what he’s doing.

“And obviously, he’s watching everyone. So it’s up to the players, because consistency is everything in football. I always encourage them that if they don’t make it, it’s not that they’re bad players but their turn will come.

“Coach Pitso is one person that deals with the reality. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, he doesn’t do people favours.

“When you do well, you do well, he’ll give you a chance. He’s done that in the past.”

Zwane added that Mosimane’s achievements and experience meant his credibility should not be questioned. Mosimane previously laid the foundations for success at Mamelodi Sundowns and won the Champions League twice during his career in Africa.

“We know what he’s also done in the team like Mamelodi Sundowns. The foundation that he’s laid, the vast experience as well. He’s been to Africa, where he won the Champions League twice. You wouldn’t doubt his credibility when it comes to that. Me, as a man that knows Coach Pitso very well, I wish him well.

“For continuity’s sake in this country, he deserves it. He’s done a lot for the game, for South African football. He’s the one that opened doors for all the coaches that you see now probably in Africa. We appreciate him, we know he’s going to do the job.

“The boys must remain focused and disciplined, keep their heads up, keep pushing. That’s the most important thing.”

Zwane is also understood to be a candidate for the position of second assistant coach in Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana technical team, according to iDiski Times sources.

His comments came after AmaZulu were left without a representative in the preliminary squad, despite the strong performances of a number of their players since last season. Zwane’s message to his squad is to remain patient, disciplined and focused while continuing to push for selection.