Pitso Mosimane promises to reshape South African football by backing youth

Pitso Mosimane says he wants to “revolutionise” South African football during his second spell as Bafana Bafana coach, including by selecting an 18-year-old for the national team if the player has earned the opportunity.

Mosimane’s return begins with an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday at 6pm.

Bafana Bafana are in Group D of the qualifiers and will face Eritrea in their second match at Cairo’s Al-Salam Stadium on Wednesday at 3pm. They are also scheduled to play a friendly against Egypt in Cairo on 4 October.

“Talent needs to be stacked properly. I want to make a revolution in SA football. Not only in Bafana, but with youth football as well,” Mosimane said.

The coach has spent the past two years closely involved in youth football through his school’s football project. He says that experience has strengthened his belief that South Africa must create a pathway for young players into the senior team.

“For the past two years I’ve been with youth football so much [through his school’s football project]. We need to have an 18-year-old player in Bafana, but he must be playing in the PSL,” he added.

Mosimane has previously shown a willingness to trust young players. He recalled selecting Daine Klate for SuperSport United when the winger was 17. Klate, who has since retired, is one of South Africa’s most decorated players.

“I’ve always used young players … Daine Klate was 17, Cassius [Mailula] was with me in preseason [at Mamelodi Sundowns] as a 16-year-old,” Mosimane said.

“I’ve seen what I have seen and it’s not for me to justify Cassius … he’s doing it week in and week out.”

However, Mosimane stressed that age alone would not be enough to secure a place in Bafana Bafana. He expects any teenager considered for selection to be playing consistently in the Premier Soccer League.

“If he [that 18-year-old] is not playing in the PSL, how are we going to justify that he needs to be playing for Bafana?” he said.

“Normally here at home we don’t really play the young players, but it’s important that we have the young players playing.”

South Africa must finish top of Group D, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania hosting next year’s Afcon. Kenya are already assured of a place at the tournament as one of the host nations and are Bafana Bafana’s other opponent in the group.