Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana return delivers six points and fresh optimism

Pitso Mosimane’s return as South Africa coach has begun with two victories, seven goals and top spot in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group.

Bafana Bafana beat Guinea 2-1 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday before defeating Eritrea 5-0 on Wednesday. The results have put them in a strong position to qualify for the tournament, while Mosimane’s early selection decisions have added a youthful dimension to the squad.

The Eritrea match was played in Cairo because the country does not have an approved venue. South Africa’s attacking play was stretched at times by Eritrea’s defending, and greater ruthlessness could have produced an even wider margin. Some criticism on social media has already compared Mosimane’s approach with the “tiki-taka” style associated with his first spell in charge after the 2010 World Cup, but such judgments have come far too early.

“Of course, when you coach you are happy with five goals, we are happy with three points,” Mosimane said after the match. “I’m happy we won, that’s the most important; six points from two games. A good performance from our boys, we showed respect and played proper football.”

The 62-year-old has made clear that his ambitions extend beyond the progress achieved by Hugo Broos, who is 74. Broos guided South Africa to a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, their best result for 24 years, but Bafana Bafana were eliminated in the last 16 in Morocco in January and exited the World Cup in the last 32 against Canada in June.

Mosimane believes South Africa should be seeking their first Africa Cup of Nations title since their only triumph in 1996 and competing more strongly at World Cup level. He named a 30-player squad with an average age of 24, bringing in new players without warm-up matches before two must-win qualifiers.

Olwethu Makhanya replaced the injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi at centre-back, but Mosimane had already been keen to introduce the Rangers player. With Mbokazi now playing for Chicago Fire, South Africa have two of Africa’s most promising centre-backs. Ime Okon and Khulumani Ndamane also offer potential, although they may find it difficult to regain their places.

Luther Singh scored after being recalled from international exile, with Mosimane recognising his form in Cyprus. Samukelo Kabini, who scored as a substitute against Guinea, has also made a strong case for a larger role. Kamogelo Sebelebele took his opportunity after Khuliso Mudau’s injury, earning man-of-the-match honours against Guinea.

Relebohile Mofokeng, who was used cautiously by Broos at the World Cup, has carried his European form into the new era. The former Buccaneer had scored four goals in nine games for Royale Union Saint Gilloise before scoring twice against Eritrea his first international goals.

“Eritrea started well, they had a chance and hit the post,” Mosimane said. “Their No 10 [Ali Sulieman] is very strong, he scores a lot of goals and we had to look after him.”

He added that five World Cup players were injured and Jayden Adams had died, meaning new and younger players had to be introduced alongside experience. Themba Zwane came on in the 79th minute, a return Mosimane wanted after the midfielder’s controversial World Cup red card.

“But ja, the foundation is good,” Mosimane said. “It’s the team coming from the World Cup. But just improve it a little bit and let’s try to score more goals. You have to be happy with seven goals. Very good.”