Durban City midfielder Poggenpoel applauds Mosimane for opening Bafana Bafana doors

Durban City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel has praised South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane for creating an environment where every player in the domestic league has a genuine opportunity to earn a place in the national team.

The 27-year-old believes Mosimane’s approach to squad selection is based on individual performances rather than the reputation or status of the clubs players represent, insisting that footballers from smaller teams can also attract the attention of the Bafana Bafana technical team.

Poggenpoel is impressed by the coach’s willingness to give opportunities to previously overlooked players, arguing that his recent selection decisions demonstrate that no footballer is automatically excluded from consideration because of where they play.

The Durban City midfielder pointed to the number of players who received their first international opportunities during the previous national team camp as evidence of Mosimane’s open-minded approach.

“I think everyone in the league has a fair chance, the coach has given debuts to so many players in the last camp, so I don’t think it’s about which club you play for, it’s about performances at club level, everyone will get a fair look,” Poggenpoel said.

The midfielder also expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to work under Mosimane, describing the experience as valuable for younger players seeking to improve their understanding of the game.

Having established himself as one of the experienced coaches in African football, Mosimane brings considerable knowledge and experience to the national team setup, something Poggenpoel believes can benefit players who are still developing their careers.

The 27-year-old admitted that working with a coach of Mosimane’s pedigree has been particularly enjoyable, highlighting the lessons players can learn within a short period under his guidance.

“It was something really enjoyable to work with the coach because you see what he’s done in the past, so for us younger players to come work with the coach, it’s a great feeling, you learn a lot in a short space, so it’s really enjoyable,” he added.

Poggenpoel’s own international journey reflects the opportunities he believes Mosimane is creating within the national team.

The Durban City midfielder missed out on South Africa’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but eventually earned his maiden senior international call-up, making his debut in the emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea.

His impressive introduction to international football earned him further involvement, as he was handed a starting role in South Africa’s subsequent 1-0 victory over Egypt.

However, he was left on the bench during Friday’s 2-2 draw against Kenya in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as Bafana Bafana surrendered points despite their efforts to secure another positive result.

The draw against Kenya was a setback for Mosimane’s side, who will now be looking to respond positively in their remaining qualification fixtures.

For Poggenpoel, however, the experience of representing his country has reinforced his appreciation of the opportunities available under the current technical leadership.

His comments also underline the growing competition within the Bafana Bafana squad, with players from different clubs hoping to impress Mosimane through their performances in domestic football.

The midfielder will now be eager to maintain his club form and earn further opportunities as South Africa continue their preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.