Mosimane urged to make honesty the standard for Bafana Bafana

Pitso Mosimane’s openness with his players and the wider nation will be central to his success as he attempts to take Bafana Bafana to new heights.

The coach showed that approach when he admitted making “emotional decisions” while naming his final 27-man squad for the back-to-back 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Kenya.

South Africa host the co-hosts at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Nairobi four days later. The biggest talking point was the omission of Themba Zwane, despite Mosimane having praised the 37-year-old when he returned to the national dugout two months ago.

Mosimane acknowledged that leaving out Zwane, known as ‘Mshishi’, meant losing more than an experienced player.

“It was a bit difficult for the forward line,” he said. “It was an emotional one because I had to drop ‘Mshishi’. He’s also my coach, by the way. He helps me with the analysis of youngsters, saying: ‘Coach, this is this player’s strength.’ I left a coach behind.”

That kind of directness could help Mosimane achieve more with Bafana, but it must become a consistent standard rather than a one-off moment.

The coach will need to remain honest with himself, his squad and the country as he seeks to guide South Africa to the next two Afcons and the 2030 World Cup.

A successful Mosimane reign could also strengthen the case for local coaches to manage the national team permanently. Just as importantly, transparency would help counter the long-standing allegation that South African coaches accept brown-envelope payments from agents in return for international call-ups.

Mosimane has already faced criticism during only his second international break for selecting a large number of Mamelodi Sundowns players. That criticism echoes former coach Hugo Broos’ parting comments in the Belgian press, when the 74-year-old said Mosimane could set Bafana back five years by reviving the practice of local coaches making secret arrangements with agents.

Mosimane had understandable reasons for relying on familiar players. His first assignment after returning was a high-stakes qualifier, making continuity a logical choice and resulting in a strong Mamelodi Sundowns core.

However, some criticism has merit. Orlando Pirates’ in-form pair Thapelo Mokobodi and Simpiwe Masilela could arguably have been selected ahead of Sundowns duo Bathusi Aubaas and Cassius Mailula. AmaZulu’s 25-year-old right wing-back Nkosikhona Radebe and 24-year-old wing partner Athini Maqokolo also have strong claims.

Despite that, Mosimane’s second spell has begun positively. With Benni McCarthy’s Kenya lower down the rankings, Bafana are widely expected to maintain their perfect start under ‘Jingles’. For now, maximum points remain essential.

Bafana Bafana squad for November Afcon qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates FC), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns FC).

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena and Thabang Matuludi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Samukele Kabini (FC Molde, Norway); Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers FC, Scotland); Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany); Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates FC); Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire SC, USA).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates FC); Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela CD, Portugal); Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City FC).

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews and Siyanda Ndlovu (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo, USA); Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates FC); Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, USA); Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium); Luther Singh (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).