Mosimane calls for patience as young South Africa players prepare to face Egypt

Pitso Mosimane has urged supporters to be patient with his young South Africa squad before their friendly against Egypt on Sunday.

South Africa face Egypt in a high-profile test as Mosimane assesses his players after their strong start in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“I ask for patience and support for these players,” Mosimane said on the South African Football Association’s official website. “They are at the beginning of their journey, and we need to see what we have in the squad. Unfortunately, we will be facing a big team like Egypt.”

He added: “The challenge is that we have to let them swim with the sharks, but we have nothing to lose. This is a friendly match and we need to see what they can offer at this level, so we ask for patience and support for these young players.”

Mosimane has overseen victories over Guinea and Eritrea in South Africa’s opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. They beat Guinea 2-1 before recording a 5-0 win against Eritrea.

Those results have left South Africa top of Group D on six points, clear of the other teams.

The friendly between Egypt and South Africa will be officiated by an Algerian refereeing team.

Nabil Boukhalfa has been appointed as the referee, with Hamza Bouzit and Haitham Bouima named as assistant referees.

Boukhalfa has previously taken charge of an Egypt match. He refereed Egypt Under-17s’ friendly against Libya on 23 November 2024, when Egypt won 7-1.