Jomo Sono Sends Strong Message to Bafana Bafana Fans As Pitso Mosimane Faces Pressure

• Jomo Sono has weighed in on the Pitso Mosimane debate as Bafana Bafana chase AFCON qualification
• The South African legend has shared his thoughts on Bafana’s chances ahead of another crucial qualifier
• Sono also had a memorable message for the millions of South Africans who follow Bafana closely

South African football legend Jomo Sono believes Bafana Bafana will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations despite the debate surrounding Pitso Mosimane’s return to the national team.

Mosimane has faced criticism from some supporters over his squad selections and tactical approach since returning for his third spell in charge. However, Sono has urged fans to accept that their opinions are also part of the intense scrutiny surrounding Bafana.

Speaking to KickOff, Sono said:

“As for the supporters, they have the right to praise and the right to criticise.”

He added:

“All 60 million of them are coaches. They all know a lot about football, and they are all good coaches, so with 60 million coaches South Africa will surely qualify.”

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Owen Da Gama says Pitso Mosimane is being judged differently from Hugo Broos

Bafana Bafana face Eritrea in crucial AFCON qualifier

Sono’s prediction came as Bafana Bafana faced a crucial second Group D qualifier against Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday, 30 September. South Africa arrived with three points after Samukele Kabini’s late winner sealed a 2-1 victory over Guinea on 26 September.

The group has an added twist because Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, are hosting AFCON 2027 and are already guaranteed a place at the tournament. As a result, only the highest-placed team among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will claim the remaining Group D spot.

Eritrea also showed they cannot be overlooked, holding Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Nairobi in their opening match. Pitso Mosimane has consequently warned his players to approach the fixture with the same intensity they showed against Guinea.

Sono, however, remains confident about South Africa’s prospects.

“South Africa will qualify. We have a strong team to be honest. We will beat Eritrea. We will qualify,” he told KickOff.

Read also

Pitso Mosimane warns Bafana Bafana players as they face Eritrea in Egypt looms

Sono confident in South Africa's chances

The former Bafana coach also pointed to the group's structure as a reason for his confidence.

“It’s not a difficult group they are in, especially with only one team required to qualify,” Sono said.

“They are already topping their group, and they are going to beat Eritrea today.”

For Mosimane, the result could further shape the early direction of his return.

Owen Da Gama defends Pitso Mosimane amid Bafana debate

Briefly News previously reported that former Bafana Bafana coach Owen Da Gama believes Pitso Mosimane is being judged differently from Hugo Broos since returning to the national team.

Da Gama argued that Mosimane deserves time to implement his ideas after starting his third spell with a 2-1 win over Guinea on 26 September 2026.

Source: Briefly News