Mosimane says South Africa are ‘not there yet’ despite perfect FIFA window

Pitso Mosimane has urged South Africa to remain focused after winning all three of their matches during the latest FIFA window, insisting Bafana Bafana have not yet reached their objective of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in the Pamoja region.

Mosimane began his second spell in charge with victories over Guinea and Eritrea in the Afcon qualifiers, before South Africa completed the treble by beating Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly.

Bafana Bafana scored eight goals across the three games, defeating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 before their narrow success against Egypt. The results also highlighted a side that was strong in attack and well organised defensively.

Mosimane has built on the work of predecessor Hugo Broos, selecting a relatively experienced and familiar group for the qualifiers. The squad included goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Despite being encouraged by the team’s performances and the perfect start to his return, Mosimane warned that qualification remains unfinished business.

“You know how football is: it’s not how you start, but how you finish,” Mosimane said. “I am a very conservative coach. This thing still needs to go where it goes: we still need to qualify for Afcon. It was good now. But we haven’t arrived.”

South Africa are in Group D and Mosimane believes their two meetings with Kenya could have the greatest bearing on the qualification campaign. He also pointed to the presence of Benni McCarthy, who is coaching the Harambee Stars and has extensive knowledge of South African football.

“We have Kenya back to back. That’s where everything will be. Benni (McCarthy, the Harambee Stars coach) will never allow us to win easily. You know that. He’s a fighter by profession, and in football. He’s got a big heart for football. Those two games will determine our fate before we go to Guinea. Yeah, let’s see how we deal with Kenya.”

The strength of the camp also allowed Mosimane to rotate his squad in the match against Egypt, which was played away from home. Puso Dithejane, Shandre Campbell and Lebone Seema were among those given an opportunity in the game.

“I have let them swim with the sharks. Threw them in the deep end. And they swam,” Mosimane said. “So, it was good to see Puso, Shandre and Seema in a big game. They played. Matuludi has been there. It was good to bring back Fawaiza Basadien because he has been there.

“We were a little bit thin in the midfield, and had to play Rushwin Dortley [or the relevant player] in the midfield in the end. But it’s football. We have to do what we have to do. We were under pressure… but I know Egyptian football, right? We prepared well.”