Mosimane sets Bafana Bafana sights on Africa Cup of Nations title

Pitso Mosimane says qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations is only the first step for Bafana Bafana, as he targets an end to South Africa’s long wait for continental success.

Speaking to the media at the Orlando Amstel Arena before Saturday’s AFCON qualifier against Guinea, the head coach acknowledged that reaching the tournament is essential but insisted that his greater ambition is to compete for the trophy and win it.

Mosimane was asked whether the quality of his current squad increased the pressure to deliver silverware. His response was unequivocal.

“We need a cup. We haven’t won it for how long? It’s too long, right? So, we need a cup. I want to win a cup. I’m not saying I’m going to win it, I want to win it. And that’s why I’m here.”

The experienced coach said the players are driven by the same objective, while accepting that Bafana Bafana must first negotiate the qualification process before they can challenge for the title.

“You can’t win the cup when you don’t qualify. I mean, you know the levels and the steps that you need to do to get to win the cup. But yeah, that’s the objective, is to try and win a cup.”

Mosimane’s comments place qualification in the context of a broader challenge: ensuring South Africa reaches the Africa Cup of Nations and then competes with the aim of lifting the trophy.