Pitso Mosimane Has a Clear Message for Every Bafana Bafana Star
- Pitso Mosimane has made his expectations clear as he begins a new chapter with Bafana Bafana and looks to change the team’s approach
- The Bafana Bafana coach has introduced a different approach to competition and leadership, with several players now facing a new challenge
- Mosimane’s return has already brought changes to the national team, but one message to his players stands out ahead of the next qualifiers
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Pitso Mosimane has sent a clear warning to every Bafana Bafana player as he begins his latest spell in charge of the national team.
The coach wants competition for places to remain fierce, with established stars and newcomers expected to keep proving themselves. He outlined his approach before South Africa's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea on Saturday, 26 September.
According to IOL, Mosimane stressed that representing South Africa should never be taken for granted. He wants players who “will wear their hearts on their sleeves” and understand that playing for Bafana Bafana “is a privilege that must be earned repeatedly”.
That message extends beyond the players who started the recent World Cup campaign.
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Ronwen Williams and the Bafana Bafana captaincy
Ronwen Williams remains an important figure in the squad, but Mosimane has also widened the leadership group.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper is joined by players including Themba Zwane and Sipho Chaine, and Mosimane said he prefers having different leaders rather than relying on one captain.
The move does not automatically mean Williams has lost his position as senior captain. Instead, Mosimane has created a structure where several players can take responsibility.
His decision reflects a wider approach to keeping the squad competitive. Mosimane's first 30-man squad included five players receiving maiden senior call-ups: Lebone Seema, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane and Tashreeq Matthews.
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New Bafana era begins with Guinea victory
Mosimane has also retained a strong core of experienced players while introducing younger options.
That balance was immediately tested when Bafana faced Guinea at Orlando Stadium on 26 September. South Africa took the lead through Ime Okon before Guinea equalised after the break. Samukele Kabini then restored Bafana Bafana’s advantage in the 77th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.
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The result gave Mosimane a winning start in his latest competitive spell as Bafana coach. However, his broader message remains focused on maintaining standards beyond one match.
South Africa's next qualifier is against Eritrea in Cairo on 30 September, followed by a friendly against Egypt on 4 October.
For Mosimane, the early stages of this new era are therefore about more than selecting a starting XI. His warning is straightforward: established status will not remove the need to keep performing.
Pitso Mosimane singles out 2 Bafana Bafana stars
Briefly News previously reported that Pitso Mosimane also revealed which players caught his eye in the victory over Guinea. Two defenders earned special praise for their performances against Guinea’s dangerous attack.
Mosimane also highlighted the pace Kamogelo Sebelebele brought to the match, while warning that Bafana must improve their finishing against stronger opposition.
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Source: Briefly News
