Doctor Khumalo backs Pitso Mosimane after Appollis and Modiba tactical row

Doctor Khumalo has defended Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane after his comments about Oswin Appollis and Aubrey Modiba prompted criticism.

Bafana Bafana are in Egypt preparing for Wednesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea, with Mosimane facing the fixture after beginning his second spell in charge with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

The coach’s post-match explanation of the roles expected of Modiba and Appollis led to a public debate over whether he was asking players to move away from their usual club duties. Some critics accused Mosimane of imposing a Mamelodi Sundowns approach on the national team.

Mosimane said Modiba, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, should retain the responsibilities he has at club level.

“Modiba must play exactly the same way he plays at Sundowns. He must come into the number 10 position,” Mosimane said.

He also explained how he wanted Appollis, an Orlando Pirates attacker, to adapt when Modiba moved into central areas.

“I actually tried to speak to Appollis to say when Modiba comes he has to stay on the wing but Pirates doesn’t play that way. Appollis at Pirates stay inside because there’s Hotto on the wing,” Mosimane said.

“This is the national team, he has to accommodate Modiba to invert. They must adjust, this is the national team.”

Khumalo explains Mosimane’s position

Speaking on SABC’s SoccerZone, Khumalo said Mosimane’s remarks may not have conveyed his intended message and rejected the suggestion that the coach was questioning Appollis’ ability.

“He might have said that, but I think it has been misinterpreted from the way he meant it,” Khumalo said.

Khumalo argued that the tactical details could be demonstrated on the pitch, particularly in relation to how Appollis and Modiba should move depending on who has possession.

“Personally, I think the game is the teacher, and he can then go and show Appollis what it is it that he needs him to do when Modiba is in possession, and Modiba needs to know how he must move when Appollis is out of possession,” he said.

“But I don’t think he was undermining the capabilities of Oswin. That boy has been unbelievable under Hugo [Broos]. I think it’s just the way that it came out, but I don’t think this is exactly what he meant.”

Khumalo also highlighted Appollis’ versatility, saying modern football demands players who can operate in different positions.

“It is good to have a player of Appollis’ calibre. Today’s football needs players that can play in multiple positions. He can go wide; he can play in the middle. You can play him as a winger that is tucking inside.”

Modiba ruled out

Mosimane will have to make changes for the qualifier against Eritrea after Modiba suffered an untimely injury.

The versatile left-back’s absence means Bafana Bafana will need to reshuffle their starting line-up as they seek another three points and attempt to maintain their perfect start in the group qualifiers.