Mosimane gives Zwane World Cup redemption chance against Eritrea

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says restoring Themba “Mshishi” Zwane to the national team was important for the midfielder’s confidence and legacy after his World Cup campaign ended with a red card.

Zwane made his first appearance for South Africa since being dismissed in the 2-0 Group A defeat by Mexico at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. Mosimane introduced him for Sphephelo Sithole in the 79th minute of Wednesday’s 5-0 Afcon qualifying victory over Eritrea.

The sending-off against Mexico ruled Zwane out of Bafana’s next three matches at the World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the US and Canada. Mosimane said he did not want the experienced player’s international career to be defined by that incident.

“It’s important to reduce the squad’s average age, but we must not focus too much on that because experience also helps,” Mosimane said.

“We have experienced players and I am happy that one of the most experienced players in the team, Themba Zwane, managed to get a chance, because I wouldn’t like him not to play after that World Cup red card. Bringing him back gives him respect and confidence.”

South Africa now face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday at 8pm SA time, with Mosimane indicating that Zwane could play a larger role.

The coach’s midfield options have been reduced after Bathusi Aubaas went off injured during the victory over Eritrea. Teboho Mokoena is also unavailable after sustaining an injury in the opening qualifier against Guinea, which Bafana won 2-1 at Orlando Amstel Arena last Saturday.

That leaves Sithole and Brooklyn Poggenpoel as the only fit central midfielders available to Mosimane, increasing the likelihood of Zwane being involved for a longer period against the Pharaohs.

“Teboho is out with injuries and Aubaas is out as well, so we are losing a lot of players in the midfield. We will be a little bit thin against Egypt in the midfield, so today we had to bring Zwane to play in the midfield,” Mosimane said.

South Africa lead Group D of the qualifiers with six points from their opening two matches.