Mosimane reveals Zwane and Seema helped shape Mbuthuma substitution

Pitso Mosimane says senior players Themba Zwane and Lebone Seema played an important role in the decision to send on Yanela Mbuthuma during Bafana Bafana’s 2-1 win over Guinea.

South Africa’s coach was seen consulting members of his bench before replacing Iqraam Rayners with Mbuthuma in the 2027 AFCON qualifier at Orlando Stadium.

Mosimane later explained that his discussions were not limited to Zwane, who has extensive experience with the national team, but also included Mbuthuma’s Orlando Pirates team-mate Seema.

“I didn’t speak to Themba only, I spoke to the whole team, I spoke to Seema also and it’s very difficult for me why I bring Themba Zwane, right? because you are looking at the age right and you are right if you are looking at the age but he’s very important for me,” Mosimane said.

“He knows the team well, he knows the players well and also Seema contributed because I need a 9, a 9, 9, I need a 9. I hope you understand, I don’t need a Cassius Mailula for this game. Cassius is smart, he’s intelligent but I needed a 9.”

The coach also defended Rayners’ contribution after the striker failed to score or register enough shots on goal against the West Africans.

Mosimane said the striker’s value could not be judged solely by whether he found the net, pointing to his movement, pressing and ability to create opportunities.

“You know sometimes Iqraam can take you out with one ball, you saw that. The ball didn’t fall for Iqraam, I thought it would fall for him and as he tried to turn I knew he would score that goal but it didn’t fall for him,” he added.

“He made good runs also in the first half, the boys didn’t see him from the left side. I thought they should pass him because he’s been fighting and pressing from the top, he started the press so he worked hard.

“So, the striker working hard is not scoring goals am I right? We might not see that side of the game, we are looking at, did he score?”

Bafana Bafana travel to Cairo, Egypt, for their second Group D match against Eritrea on Wednesday.

They will be aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the group, with Mosimane saying the squad has also been concentrating on set plays in preparation for the match.

He added that players such as Mbuthuma can make a significant contribution in those situations.