Mosimane reveals emotional reasons for leaving Zwane out of Bafana Bafana squad

Pitso Mosimane says leaving Themba Zwane out of his final Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming back-to-back matches against Kenya was an emotional decision.

Mosimane named a 27-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars, with 12 players omitted from the wider selection.

Zwane was one of the most notable absentees. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had been included in the previous camp and had played in South Africa’s opening two qualifying matches before being cut from the preliminary group.

The coach acknowledged that the decision was particularly difficult because Zwane has been one of his trusted advisers within the squad.

“Emotional, it was not an easy one, I had to drop Mshishi,” Mosimane told SABC Sport.

“He’s also my coach by the way Mshishi, he helps me with these boys to say coach ‘this one his strength is this’.”

Mosimane said the selection decision also reflected the need to assess the contribution of Lyle, rather than assume the experienced player could no longer influence the team.

“So, I have left the coach behind now. But I also have to say, are we burying Lyle? Is he Lyle 35 years old? Is Lyle not a good player anymore,” he said.

“We mustn’t forget who scored for us to qualify for the AFCON. This thing is not just about the talent, it’s emotional and I had to phone Mshishi.”

Mosimane confirmed that he personally contacted Zwane to explain the omission. He said the player accepted the decision professionally and backed the selection of Lyle because of his physical presence and ability to score.

“Yes, I called him, he took it well, he’s professional and said no problem coach, let’s give Lyle he’s strong in the box and he can score for us.”