Pitso Mosimane Explains Why He Protected Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Stars Against Egypt
- Bafana Bafana beat Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly in Cairo on Sunday, with coach Pitso Mosimane fielding a largely makeshift team
- Mosimane addressed questions about how he managed players from both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns during the camp
- The coach revealed his thinking on Nkosinathi Sibisi's late substitute role and weighed in on Aubrey Modiba's availability for the MTN8 final
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Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has defended his player management decisions during Sunday's 1-0 international friendly victory over Egypt in Cairo, stating that he deliberately balanced his treatment of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns players ahead of Saturday's MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Mosimane fielded a largely rotated side for the Egypt fixture after using a stronger combination to beat Guinea and Eritrea in back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Two players who had not featured in either of those matches, Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane, made their Bafana Bafana debuts against Egypt and impressed throughout.
Mosimane addresses claims of favouritism
The Bafana squad for the recent camp included several key players from both PSL title contenders. Pirates contributed Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Tshepang Moremi and Sipho Chaine, while Sundowns were represented by Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners and Cassius Mailula.
A separate group of Sundowns players, including Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, picked up injuries during camp, which led to unsubstantiated claims on social media that Mosimane had shielded them to benefit his former club.
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The coach addressed the matter at his post-match press conference, explaining his rationale for limiting Sibisi, who is returning from injury, to a brief cameo late in the game.
"We played Sibisi in the last few minutes because he came from an injury, and has a cup final," Mosimane said. "We need to protect players that are going to play in the final so that no one is going to say we have favourites. I was afraid that Sibisi might have a problem. I know that Pirates are going to need him."
Modiba's final availability and the MTN8 stakes
Mosimane also said Aubrey Modiba, a Sundowns player, took part in the team's final training session before the Egypt game, suggesting he could be available for the cup final.
"Aubrey played in the last training session. We have to support the players so the team is strong. I am happy that all the goalkeepers played. Lebone played well as well," he said.
Mosimane added that he was keen to maintain a positive relationship with both clubs ahead of the November international window. Sundowns currently lead the PSL standings with 20 points, one clear of Pirates, who have a game in hand. The MTN8 final kicks off at 6pm on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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Source: Briefly News
