Pitso Mosimane warns South Africa of Serhou Guirassy threat before Guinea qualifier

Pitso Mosimane says South Africa must find a way to contain Serhou Guirassy when Bafana Bafana begin a new era against Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (15:00).

Mosimane has acknowledged the scale of the challenge posed by the Borussia Dortmund striker, who was the joint leading scorer in the Uefa Champions League two seasons ago with 13 goals, alongside Barcelona’s Raphinha.

The 62-year-old coach said he and his staff had spent sleepless nights working on a plan to limit Guirassy’s influence. The forward has already made a strong start to the Bundesliga season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six matches.

“They have a top striker, playing in Dortmund and scoring. We have to make sure we deal with his aerial strength,” Mosimane said.

Guirassy is not the only player in Guinea’s squad with experience in prominent leagues. Defenders and midfielders Mory Konate, Seydouba Cisse and Morlaye Sylla play in Saudi Arabia, while striker Lamine Diaby Fadiga is based in Poland and midfielder Lass Kourouma plays for Girona.

“You know the West African team sheets. But the Cup of Nations has told you that it is not about where you play; it is about what happens on the pitch,” Mosimane added.

South Africa will be without their leading defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, because of injury. Mosimane is therefore expected to choose either Ime Okon or Olwethu Makhanya to help handle Guirassy.

The fixture marks Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana job, a role he previously held between 2010 and 2012. His first spell ended without qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and concluded with a humiliating dismissal.

He now returns with greater club experience and several records to his name, including multiple CAF Champions League triumphs. A second opportunity with the national team offers Mosimane the chance to restore his reputation in the role.

Guinea arrive in poor form, having failed to win any of their past four matches. The Syli National have drawn two and lost two during that run.

Mosimane will also look to the experience of the Mamelodi Sundowns contingent in his squad. Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba and Thapelo Morena are among those who helped the club win the CAF Champions League this year and beat Al-Ahli Saudi in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup last week.

“Sundowns are champions of Africa, and they beat the champions of Asia. But African teams have always beaten Asian teams. I knew Sundowns would have the edge,” Mosimane said.