Mosimane hails Poggenpoel after confident Bafana Bafana debut

Pitso Mosimane praised Brooklyn Poggenpoel after the midfielder made his senior international debut in Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 win over Eritrea on Wednesday evening.

Poggenpoel was one of the players given an opportunity as South Africa secured another important three points. Bafana Bafana must now prepare for a considerably tougher test against Egypt, with Mosimane facing a shortage of central midfield options.

The young midfielder made a strong impression on his first appearance at senior international level, adapting quickly to the demands of the match.

“We gave Brooklyn a chance to play, for his debut and he played very well, he played like he’s been playing all the time, so we are a little bit thin against Egypt with central midfielders [after Mokoena and Aubaas injuries],” Mosimane said after the game.

Bafana Bafana’s midfield has been affected by a series of injuries. Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas are unavailable, while Jayden Adams is also out of contention ahead of the meeting with Egypt.

Those absences have forced Mosimane to consider further changes in the centre of the team. The manager used experienced midfielder Themba Zwane in a deeper role against Eritrea as he attempted to manage the limited options available to him.

“We had to bring Themba Zwane in midfield, as I wanted to take Yaya out as he’s the only experienced one left, we don’t have Teboho, no Mbatha, we lost Jayden and we don’t have Aubaas,” he added.

The loss of several midfielders leaves Bafana Bafana with fewer choices in that area before their next match. Mosimane said the squad remains better supplied in other positions, despite the problems in central midfield.

“It’s unfortunate for us – but okay we’re loaded with wingers and full-backs.”

For Poggenpoel, the appearance was an important moment in a quick rise to the international team. He had previously missed out on South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad, but earned another chance under Mosimane.

His calm performance against Eritrea has now given him senior international experience before Bafana Bafana face Egypt, with the side having begun their preparations for the more demanding challenge.