Pitso Mosimane impressed by ‘humility’ in returning Bafana Bafana squad

Pitso Mosimane says he has been encouraged by the humility and determination shown by the Bafana Bafana players in his first training camp since returning for a second spell as national coach.

The squad reported for duty on Sunday ahead of two Afcon qualifiers and a friendly. South Africa will face Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday at 3pm before playing Eritrea in Egypt next Wednesday. A friendly against Egypt in Cairo is scheduled for October 4.

“I’m so impressed after listening to the guys who’ve just joined the camp now, the humility that they have for the national team,” Mosimane said at a press conference at UJ Football Club in Auckland Park on Monday.

“I feel the hunger in them. I feel that they want to show that they deserve to be in the team.”

Mosimane has retained the core of the squad assembled by his predecessor Hugo Broos, while also introducing several new players, including Luther Singh and Cassius Mailula.

The coach said the newcomers faced pressure to establish themselves among players who had already made a strong contribution to the national side.

“Of course there’s pressure on them, pressure on Luther to say, ‘can I remove (Oswin) Appollis, who’s scoring every time?’ And for Cassius to say ‘can I play with Rele [Mofokeng] or can I take Rele’s position?’ For me it’s exciting to see that; it’s beautiful,” Mosimane said.

“I think everyone deserves a chance. But yes, we also have to respect those who’ve done the job and who’ve put themselves ahead of the new ones.”

All the locally based players arrived at camp on time on Sunday, which pleased Mosimane. Singh and Samkelo Kabini, who are based abroad, joined the group on Monday, while the remainder of the foreign-based contingent is expected to arrive by Tuesday.

Mosimane said the players’ punctuality reflected their respect for representing South Africa.

“I feel good because I see the boys have respect for the emblem of the country, for the flag,” he said.

“It’s always good when you come on day one to the office and all the boys are there on time, and nobody is feeling entitled to be here because they played at the World Cup; that’s so good to see.”

Mosimane also confirmed that Marcus Mashilo has been appointed as a freelance goalkeeper coach.