Five South Africa veterans face uncertain futures under coach Pitso Mosimane

Five experienced South African players could face uncertain international futures as Pitso Mosimane begins reshaping Bafana Bafana with a greater emphasis on youth.

Mosimane has made a perfect start to his return as South Africa coach, guiding the national team to victories over Guinea and Eritrea in their opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

While the results have provided an encouraging start, Mosimane’s team selections have also offered an early indication of his approach.

The coach has largely favoured younger players, with only a limited number of players aged over 30 featuring in his opening squads. That has increased competition for places and could leave several established names struggling to regain their positions.

According to South African publication The South African, five experienced players in particular could find their international prospects affected by Mosimane’s plans.

Grant Kekana

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana is among the players facing a difficult battle to return to the national team.

Kekana has missed two major tournaments recently, while several younger defenders have emerged and increased competition for places in the backline.

Olwethu Makhanya, Ami Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi are among the young defenders who have impressed, giving Mosimane more options as he looks to build for the future.

Percy Tau

Percy Tau’s international future is also uncertain.

The 32-year-old has been without a club for several months, which could affect his chances of returning to the national team.

Tau has been an important player for Bafana Bafana over the years, but his lack of regular competitive football leaves him needing to regain his club status and form before challenging for a place under Mosimane.

Mothobi Mvala

Mothobi Mvala was an important member of the South African side that finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, injuries have disrupted his involvement with the national team in recent times.

With Mosimane introducing younger players and competition increasing in the defensive positions, Mvala could face a difficult challenge to force his way back into the squad.

Nkosinathi Mphahlele

Nkosinathi Mphahlele has also seen his opportunities with Bafana Bafana decrease in recent years.

The defender was previously used by former coach Hugo Broos, but his involvement gradually declined after 2023 as Khuliso Mudau became a preferred option at right-back.

The emergence of Kamogelo Sebelebele and Thabang Matuludi has now added further competition, making Mphahlele’s route back into the national team even more challenging.

Lebo Mothiba

Lebo Mothiba is another experienced player whose place in Mosimane’s plans remains uncertain.

The South Africa coach is still searching for a striker capable of consistently leading the national team’s attack, but Mothiba’s inconsistent goalscoring form at Mamelodi Sundowns could work against him.

His age could also become a factor as Mosimane continues to place greater emphasis on developing a younger generation of Bafana Bafana players.

With South Africa preparing for the next phase of their international programme, Mosimane’s upcoming squad selections will provide further clues about the roles these experienced players could play in his plans.

For the five veterans, the competition for places is already intensifying as the new Bafana Bafana era takes shape.