Mosimane rejects claims of favouritism towards former Sundowns players in Bafana squad

Pitso Mosimane has dismissed suggestions that his previous association with Mamelodi Sundowns influences his selection decisions for the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.

The coach, who managed Sundowns between 2012 and 2020, enjoyed a successful spell at the club, winning the CAF Champions League and five domestic league titles, among several other honours.

During his time in charge, Mosimane worked with several players who remain part of the national team setup, including Themba Zwane and Thapelo Morena.

However, the continued presence of Sundowns players in the Bafana Bafana squad has raised questions about whether the coach favours footballers he previously worked with at the Tshwane-based club.

Mosimane has strongly rejected those suggestions, insisting that his squad selections are based on facts and footballing considerations rather than personal relationships.

Speaking to SABC Sport, he expressed frustration with the perception that his previous involvement with Sundowns influences his decisions.

“It is so difficult in the national team, people think you close your eyes and you pick,” Mosimane said.

“Or they think you pick your friend and that, ‘Oh, the coach was at Mamelodi Sundowns, that’s why he’s calling Ndlovu’.

“So, they think I’m busy with Sundowns, you have the right to say what you want to say. I have facts and I work on facts; I have my head on the block.”

The debate comes as Sundowns account for 12 players in the current Bafana Bafana squad preparing for their AFCON qualifying fixture against Kenya.

Their significant representation has attracted attention, given Mosimane’s successful history with the club.

However, the coach remains adamant that his decisions are guided by footballing facts and that his responsibility is to select players he believes can deliver for the national team.