Mosimane ready to risk reputation with elite friendlies for Bafana Bafana

Pitso Mosimane says he is prepared to put his reputation at risk by arranging high-profile friendly matches for Bafana Bafana as he builds towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and future international challenges.

Mosimane has returned for a second spell as South Africa manager, 14 years after his first tenure ended with the team failing to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

His initial spell produced six wins, eight draws and three defeats. His methods and results were questioned after South Africa missed out on the continental tournament, but Mosimane has since established himself as one of Africa’s leading coaches.

The three-time CAF Champions League winner now faces the task of developing a Bafana Bafana team capable of competing with the strongest sides on the continent.

Rather than choosing lower-ranked opponents to give his players a greater chance of winning, Mosimane wants South Africa to face leading African nations in their preparation matches.

He acknowledged that the strategy carries risks, particularly because it mirrors the approach that preceded the end of his first spell in charge.

“It’s easy to play a friendly you can always win, let’s play Egypt, come on, let’s do it right – and I also know my fate 14 years ago, because my challenge, I stacked, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Ghana, the top six in the continent, I put them in my friendlies to prepare,” Mosimane said.

“And I got all the draws and you know my fate [in my previous stint].”

Mosimane said he had considered whether repeating that plan could expose him to the same criticism, especially when international managers are judged heavily on results.

“And I’m asking myself, am I doing the same thing again with these friendly games? We can get someone where we can score five goals, and then we can always say we turned the corner, right?” he added.

“It’s easier because you see the goals.”

Mosimane accepts the pressure

The Bafana Bafana manager believes difficult opposition can reveal weaknesses more clearly and demand that his players perform at the level required in competitive matches.

He also said the decision reflected his character as a coach, admitting that he has never been drawn to the safest or most comfortable option.

“But I’m that guy who falls on his sword,” he said.

“I believe you need to do it right and it might not go well but it’s part of life, that’s me in football, when it’s easy and comfortable, I get bored, I need the rush, I need to be on the edge a little bit – that’s who I am.”

The results of those matches could attract renewed scrutiny because of Mosimane’s previous record with Bafana Bafana. However, he appears willing to accept that pressure if he believes facing stronger teams will improve South Africa’s readiness.

His priority is therefore not simply to build confidence by collecting friendly victories, but to ensure Bafana Bafana are properly tested before the matches that carry greater significance.