Pitso Mosimane expects tough Kenya test as Bafana Bafana face Benni McCarthy

Pitso Mosimane says Bafana Bafana must be ready for two difficult matches against Kenya and Benni McCarthy when the sides meet in successive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures next month.

Mosimane has made a perfect start to his second spell in charge of South Africa, guiding the team to victories over Guinea and Eritrea. Those results have put Bafana Bafana top of Group D with six points from their opening two matches.

Their next assignment will be against McCarthy’s Kenya, who have already secured a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda. However, Mosimane does not expect Kenya to ease off despite their guaranteed qualification.

The South Africa coach previously worked with McCarthy at national team level and knows the former FC Porto striker’s competitive character. He expects that determination to make the two fixtures particularly demanding.

“We’ve got Kenya back to back, so that’s where everything will be. Benni will never allow us to win easy, you know that. He is a fighter by profession. In football, he is a fighter. He’s got a big heart for football,” Mosimane said.

“It’s going to be difficult for us. Those two games will determine our fate, before we go to Guinea. Let’s see how we deal with Kenya.”

Mbokazi return strengthens defensive options

Bafana Bafana are also set to receive a boost with the return of Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has recovered from a thigh injury suffered after the FIFA World Cup.

His expected inclusion in the next squad will increase competition at centre-back. Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya have recently impressed and are emerging as a possible long-term defensive partnership.

Mosimane also hopes other injured players will be available, while explaining the decisions made during the previous international matches to protect players involved in a cup final.

“I hope the injured players come back. I saw Mbokazi play and Teboho is not bad. He will come back to play,” he said.

“We played Sibisi in the last five minutes because he also has a Cup Final. So, we need to protect these two teams that are going to play the final, so that no one should say we have favourites. I was afraid that Sibisi would create a problem and I know that Orlando Pirates needs him.”

Mosimane added that Aubrey had trained in the final session and stressed the importance of ensuring the squad remained fit and available.

“Aubrey trained in the last training session, so we have to support and make sure everybody is good.”

Guinea are second in Group D with four points and will also play Eritrea twice in their next qualifiers. They are expected to take a strong return from those matches, increasing the pressure on Bafana Bafana to collect maximum points against Kenya.

With only one AFCON qualifying place available in the group, South Africa will have little margin for error.