Pitso Mosimane explains South Africa changes after victory over Egypt

South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane said he made wholesale changes for the 1-0 friendly win over Egypt to give players who had not featured at the World Cup an opportunity.

South Africa secured victory in the final match of the current international break, with Mosimane selecting a significantly different side from the team that played in the previous two qualifying matches.

“Changes? We changed the team that played in the two qualifying matches,” Mosimane told On Sport. “We started only with players who had not played at the World Cup and gave them the chance to appear.”

He said he was particularly pleased with the contribution of South Africa’s younger players against Egypt.

“I am very happy with the participation of the young players against Egypt,” he said. “These players did not play at the World Cup. They all started this match and we wanted to see what they could offer.

“They played wonderful football. Even when we dropped back, we were distinguished by our speed.”

Mosimane also explained that he had taken a 16-month break from coaching because of fatigue, saying managers needed to pay attention to their own wellbeing.

“I had a 16-month break from coaching because of exhaustion,” he said. “Coaches need to rest. Look at Klopp and Guardiola – we have to take care of ourselves.

“I was busy writing a book about youth football, not about my life.”

Mosimane recalls ‘Derby of the Century’

The former Al Ahly manager said arriving at Cairo International Stadium reminded him of the “Derby of the Century” and Mohamed Magdy Afsha’s decisive goal.

“I remembered the Derby of the Century and Afsha’s goal,” Mosimane said. “We had to win that match. We were facing a big team with a large number of star players.

“It was a difficult game, but we won.”

Mosimane said Egypt had a strong national team, although he noted that his current South Africa squad did not include players of the profile of Emam Ashour or Zizo.

“I have a big team in Egypt,” he said. “I do not have Emam Ashour or Zizo. We may be small in name, but we play strongly and fight.

“Look at Al Ahly now – I did not have those names. If I had been there now with these players, we would have achieved even more.”

Mosimane ended by paying tribute to Al Ahly supporters, who he said had made him feel at home during his time at the club.

“Al Ahly fans gave me love,” he said. “This is my country and I miss them very much. God willing, I will return.

“Good luck to Egypt. They are a very strong team, and we managed to stop them from creating big chances.”