Dludlu confident Mosimane can guide Bafana Bafana to more success

Former South Africa Under-17 Women’s head coach Simphiwe Dludlu has backed Pitso Mosimane after Bafana Bafana began their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Guinea.

Dludlu said the result had given the national team confidence, particularly after a home victory against opponents they have not always beaten.

She was speaking to the media on Monday at the welcoming ceremony for the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship Under-13 tournament at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve.

“This is a continuation of winning. Winning is a habit, and the players have also come from the World Cup. A lot of them have been to AFCONs as well, and a lot of them are now raising their hands to be called into the national team,” Dludlu said.

“I love that it started on a good note, that they’ve won against Guinea. We haven’t always won against them, you know, but such a performance at home gives you pride and gives you confidence as well.”

Dludlu also praised Mosimane, describing the Bafana Bafana head coach as a manager who brings tactical variety and a strong personality to the team.

“And we’re just as excited to see, you know, coach Pitso. [He] is a very outspoken coach, with a lot of tactics and variety. So, the whole of South Africa is talking about Bafana Bafana, and that’s what we want. We want the continuation because we can never go steps back,” she added.

Focus turns to Eritrea

Bafana Bafana’s next qualifier is against Eritrea, and Dludlu said she was looking forward to seeing how the team performs under Mosimane in its second match.

“We can’t wait for the second match to see what they do under the tutelage of coach Pitso Mosimane. Let’s see how they’re able to play against Eritrea,” she said.

“We know it’s a small nation, but Bafana Bafana is a team that hits anyone that comes against them, you know, they go for the kill.”

Dludlu also stressed the importance of the players adapting quickly as South Africa targets qualification for both the next AFCON and the next World Cup.

“I hope that the players are acclimatising because they have to, as quickly as possible. We want to be in the next AFCON, we want to be in the next World Cup, and we want to see a lot of players coming through.”