Hlompho Kekana says Pitso Mosimane was misunderstood over Oswin Appollis comments

Hlompho Kekana has defended Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane after his remarks about Oswin Appollis adapting to the national team’s style of play prompted criticism.

Mosimane began his second spell in charge with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Bafana’s opening 2027 Afcon qualifier. After the match, he said players had to adjust to the demands of the national team rather than simply reproduce their club performances.

He used Appollis as an example, suggesting the Orlando Pirates player should be prepared to contribute in positions such as left-back when required. Mosimane also referred to Aubrey Modiba playing in the same way he does for Mamelodi Sundowns.

The comments led to accusations from some observers that Mosimane still favours Sundowns, where he previously coached and established the blueprint for a highly successful period.

Kekana, who won several trophies at Sundowns under Mosimane, including the CAF Champions League, rejected that interpretation. Speaking at the finals of the 2026 Kay Motsepe Schools Championship in Soshanguve, Pretoria, this week, he said the coach had struggled to express his point clearly in English.

“As a former player who played under him, I knew what he was trying to say. I think the challenge was just his articulation in English,” said Kekana.

“Play the clip slowly so that you understand what he’s trying to say.

“He’s trying to say that his players must be flexible enough to understand that in the national team, you can’t play the way you want. He’s simply saying that you need to be flexible as a player. You must be able to play different roles.”

Appollis made his second appearance under Mosimane in Wednesday night’s 5-0 win over Eritrea, a result which kept Bafana at the top of Group D after two rounds of fixtures.

The forward produced an assured display, setting up three of the five goals. His performance earned praise from Mosimane, who also highlighted Relebohile Mofokeng.

Kekana said Appollis’s ability to move between roles was precisely what Mosimane had been describing.

“What Appollis is doing – which is something I like – is being able to move from a winger to the No 10 role,” Kekana stated.

“If you saw the chance (Thapelo) Maseko missed (against Guinea) from Appollis, that’s what he was trying to say.”

Kekana added that Mosimane often used the word “travel” when explaining how players should operate across the pitch.

“I played under him (Mosimane), and he used to like using the term ‘travel’. I didn’t understand it at first. Themba Zwane was a winger in our team, but you couldn’t find him stuck on the touchline,” he said.

“That’s what he’s trying to say: you need to have freedom as a winger; don’t be restricted to the line.”