Mosimane’s priority list as he begins new Bafana Bafana era

Pitso Mosimane will begin his four-year spell as Bafana Bafana head coach with pressure to build on the team’s recent progress, while answering doubts about whether he is the right man to lead South Africa at international level.

Mosimane’s appointment has divided opinion. His supporters point to the significant progress he has made in recent years and the multiple trophies he has won around the world. Those who remain unconvinced argue that he is better suited to club football and believe his perceived arrogance could work against him with the national team.

That debate is now secondary. Mosimane is in charge and his tenure will begin with the 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month. He will need to avoid becoming distracted by either praise or criticism as he starts work on the areas that require immediate attention.

Bafana Bafana have developed a stronger competitive edge in recent years. They finished third at the 2023-delayed Afcon and reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the last edition, showing that they are no longer content simply to attend major tournaments.

Mosimane’s task is to take that progress further. Bafana must approach every match with the intention of winning, rather than merely chasing respectable performances. Consistent victories would help South Africa gain greater respect from teams across Africa and elsewhere, as well as justify the “favourites” label they may carry in future matches.

Establishing a clear identity

Success in international football cannot be achieved simply by gathering the best available players. Mosimane must give the team a clear tactical direction and define the way Bafana Bafana are expected to win games.

The coach has built a reputation for favouring an explosive attacking approach, sometimes at the expense of defensive balance. If he adopts that philosophy with South Africa, he will have to give his players the confidence to express themselves while ensuring the team does not become vulnerable at the back.

Another pressing issue is the lack of a dependable goalscorer. Lyle Foster has been inconsistent, while Evidence Makgopa has not yet established that he deserves a permanent place in the squad.

Although scoring goals, like defending, is a collective responsibility, Mosimane still needs a striker he can trust to regularly convert the opportunities created by the team.

The injury problems affecting Bafana ahead of this month’s qualifiers also underline the importance of building a deeper and more versatile squad. Every player selected must be ready to make a meaningful contribution when called upon.

Right-back Khuliso Mudau’s absence will be particularly significant. He has been a regular presence for the national team, and his injury demonstrates how quickly plans can be disrupted. Mosimane must ensure replacements are prepared to step in without weakening the side.

Mudau will not be the only player to face such setbacks during Mosimane’s time in charge. Most, and potentially all, members of the squad are likely to miss matches through injury or other difficulties at some point.

For that reason, every position needs both an established starter and a capable alternative who is ready to contribute whenever selected.

The need for greater depth extends beyond the attack. Bafana have previously looked unsettled in goal when Ronwen Williams was unavailable. That weakness became clear when former coach Hugo Broos had to rotate goalkeepers during a single international window, highlighting the importance of having reliable cover in every department.