South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane silences critics as Bafana Bafana squad selection rewards merit

Pitso Mosimane is strengthening competition for places in South Africa’s national team rather than compromising the merit-based culture established by his predecessor, Hugo Broos, with his latest preliminary squad offering further evidence of his approach.

The 62-year-old has made several changes to his selection ahead of Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Kenya on November 13 and 17, rewarding players for their performances at club level while dropping others who have struggled for consistency.

Mosimane, who began his second spell with victories over Guinea and Eritrea in AFCON qualifying before beating Egypt in a friendly, has also demonstrated a willingness to reconsider his initial selections.

His latest squad includes Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has recovered from injury, alongside Aden McCarthy, Boitumelo Radiopane, Nqaba Xulu, Luke le Roux, Thalente Mbatha, Nkosikhona Radebe, Devin Titus and goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.

Club form dictates selection

Several of Mosimane’s decisions have clear footballing justification, reinforcing the view that performances rather than external influence are determining selection.

McCarthy has impressed at centre-back for Sabah, including appearances in the UEFA Champions League, while Radiopane and Xulu have earned recognition through their scoring form for Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay respectively.

Titus has also attracted attention following a strong start at Moroccan club MAS Fes, while Mbatha returns to consideration after recovering from injury.

Le Roux’s inclusion comes after his move to Cercle Brugge, having struggled for regular playing time at Portsmouth. Radebe offers another option at right-back, with Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau still recovering from injury.

Mbanjwa, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his performances in goal for Golden Arrows.

The omissions of Yanela Mbuthuma and Shandre Campbell are equally significant, with both players experiencing dips in form and fortune at club level since the previous international break.

By dropping two players he had previously given opportunities, Mosimane has indicated that places in his squad will not be guaranteed.

Mosimane faces scrutiny over selection influence

Before Mosimane’s appointment, concerns were raised about the possibility of club owners and agents influencing Bafana Bafana’s team selection.

Broos, who departed after establishing himself as one of South Africa’s most successful coaches, had warned about the potential consequences of Mosimane’s close connections to domestic football.

“You know, South Africa still don’t have a coach. The candidate is Pitso Mosimane, a successful South African coach.

“But they know that if he comes in, they’ll go five years back in time. Club owners and agents calling coaches to influence the squad selection. I threw all of them out. If one called, I would say bluntly: ‘I don’t talk with agents’.”

Such concerns were not new within the national team setup. However, there has been no established evidence presented to demonstrate that Mosimane has allowed such influence to dictate his decisions since taking charge.

His selections so far instead suggest a focus on form, fitness and competition, with several players receiving opportunities based on their performances.

Mosimane has also avoided engaging Broos in a public dispute, choosing instead to acknowledge his predecessor’s achievements.

Competition opens up across the squad

Broos built a relatively settled core during his tenure, with Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Mbokazi, Ime Okon and Mudau forming a familiar defensive unit.

Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole were also regular midfield options, while Lyle Foster frequently led the attack, with Evidence Makgopa providing an alternative.

Mosimane’s arrival has reopened competition across those positions.

Brooklyn Poggenpoel has retained his place after impressing during the previous international window, while Radiopane and Xulu now have opportunities to challenge for attacking roles.

Foster remains in the preliminary squad for a second consecutive time, although he missed the final selection for the previous fixtures while completing his move from Burnley to Houston Dynamo.

At the back, Fawaaz Basadien, Olwethu Makhanya and McCarthy are competing for consideration, while Mudau remains a likely first-choice option at right-back once fully fit.

Broos’s achievements remain significant. He guided South Africa to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in early 2024, and helped Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mosimane now has the task of building on that foundation while maintaining the competitive environment that helped his predecessor succeed.

His early results and selection decisions suggest he has made a promising start to his second spell, although sustaining that momentum will be the real test as South Africa pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for Kenya

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Gass, Thakasani Mbanjwa.

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Nkosikhona Radebe, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aden McCarthy.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Thalente Mbatha, Luke le Roux.

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Devin Titus, Lyle Foster, Boitumelo Radiopane, Nqaba Xulu, Tshepang Moremi, Puso Dithejane.