Mosimane tells Bafana Bafana players World Cup status guarantees nothing

Pitso Mosimane has warned Bafana Bafana’s returning players that nobody is entitled to a place in the team, including those who featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mosimane made the point during his first technical press conference since beginning his second spell in charge of South Africa. The meeting took place at the University of Johannesburg on Monday afternoon, ahead of Saturday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Stadium, which kicks off at 3pm.

Among those attending were forwards Luther Singh and Cassius Mailula, who have returned to the national team after lengthy absences. Their presence alongside Mosimane underlined the coach’s message that past achievements will not guarantee selection.

“We have to respect those who have done it before these boys here (Mailula and Singh), but football evolves. There was a Ronaldo (Cristiano) at Real Madrid and now there is Mbappe (Kylian),” said Mosimane.

The coach was encouraged by the squad’s attitude when the players reported for duty on Sunday.

“Everybody reported to camp yesterday (Sunday) and there were no issues. I feel good because that shows that the boys have respect for the emblem of the national team,” he said.

“It is always good when you come to the office on day one and all the boys are on time. That sends a message that nobody feels entitled just because they played in the World Cup.”

Mosimane did not explain why Singh and Mailula were selected to appear at his first press conference, particularly after naming three senior players in the squad’s leadership group last week.

The group consists of captain Ronwen Williams, his back-up goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and experienced midfielder Themba Zwane.

Mosimane praised the maturity and ambition shown by the returning forwards, pointing to their willingness to compete for places.

“You’ve got Luther the captain (I think he is a captain at his club), and with Cassius, you can hear him speak about the setbacks that he has been through. He’s ready to compete,” he said.

“For him to claim a starting place at Mamelodi Sundowns, a star-studded team, shows that he is not resting on his laurels. It shows that he has the maturity to want to make it by hook or by crook.”

The coach also highlighted the humility of the players joining the camp and said both were determined to prove their value to the national team.

“I’m so impressed with the guys who just joined the camp, the humility that they have for the national team. I can feel the hunger within them. I feel that they want to show that they deserve to be in the team,” Mosimane added.

He acknowledged the pressure facing both players as they compete with established members of the squad.

“There is pressure on (a guy like) Luther Singh to say, ‘Can I take the place of (Oswin) Appollis who is scoring every time?’ or on Cassius (Mailula) to say, ‘Can I play with Rele (Mofokeng)?’ For me it’s exciting to see that; it’s beautiful.”