Mosimane keeps World Cup core but makes bold changes to Bafana Bafana squad

Pitso Mosimane has retained much of the squad that represented South Africa at this year’s World Cup in North America, while making several notable changes for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The new Bafana Bafana coach named a 30-man squad on Wednesday for this month’s qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, along with a friendly against Egypt. Although about 18 players remain from Hugo Broos’s World Cup group, Mosimane has also reopened the door to several players who had been overlooked by his predecessor.

Luther Singh is back in the national setup for the first time in five years. Mosimane believes the 29-year-old attacker’s regular football in the Cypriot league could give Bafana Bafana greater width.

Tashreeq Matthews has also earned recognition after producing consistent performances for Mamelodi Sundowns. Puso Dithejane, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his strong form with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in the United States.

The 12 players described as “new” selections are not all unfamiliar to the national team. Thapelo Morena was likely to have travelled to the World Cup had injury not ruled him out, while Fawaaz Basadien and Shandre Campbell had previously been included in some of Broos’s training camps.

As with any squad announcement, Mosimane’s choices will face scrutiny, with their value ultimately determined by performances in competitive matches.

The inclusion of Themba Zwane is likely to attract the most debate. The attacking midfielder has had limited playing time at Sundowns and was sent off in South Africa’s opening World Cup match against Mexico on June 11.

Thabang Matuludi is another selection that raises questions. He was involved in transfer discussions between Polokwane City and Sundowns and has not played competitive football this season.

Mosimane, however, is familiar with Zwane and appears to believe the experienced player can still make an important contribution to the qualifying campaign. Zwane will be 41 years of age by 2030, when the next World Cup takes place.

Perhaps the coach views “Mshishi” as South Africa’s own Ronaldo or Messi. The Portugal and Argentina captains were aged 41 and 39 respectively at this year’s World Cup.

There is also uncertainty over the goalkeeping options. Mosimane has kept Broos’s three choices: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss. But Goss’s return to Sundowns means he is no longer a regular, potentially weakening his case for continued international selection.

Mosimane has shown that he intends to make his own decisions, bringing back players who were previously excluded while also displaying the preference for certain individuals that is common among coaches. Results in the next two weeks will determine whether those choices win over supporters who opposed his return to the national coaching role.