Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is happy with the foundation that has been laid in the team after they got off to a great start in the two 2027 Afcon qualifiers matches that they have played since he took over from Hugo Broos.
Mosimane was speaking after the South Africans demolished minnows Eritrea 5-0 at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday night. It was Mosimane’s second victory with Bafana after they pipped Guinea 2-1 in the match at Orlando Stadium last Saturday.
Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng scored a brace. Luther Singh, Sphephelo Sithole and Iqraam Rayners each grabbed a goal in the second half. Even though Oswin Appollis did not score, he played one of his best games and created numerous scoring chances for his teammates.
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Mosimane has inherited a young team with an age average of 24 and massive experience, having played at a Fifa World Cup and Afcon tournaments. With Wednesday’s victory, Bafana have registered six points and are on the right groove to qualify for next year’s Afcon, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in June.
Said Mosimane after their emphatic win: “You must know that with this team that came from the World Cup, we have five players out injured and one who passed away – Jayden Adams, and may his soul rest in peace. We had to bring in five new players and also young players from Europe to give them a chance and opportunity to play.”
“I am happy Luther Singh scored on his return, and that will get his confidence high. What we want to do is to bring age average down – and at the same time not focus on bringing age average down a lot because experience is also good. I am happy one of our most experienced players, Themba Zwane managed to get a chance. I would not want him not to play after he got a red card at the World Cup – playing was good for his confidence,” added Mosimane.
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“The foundation is good from the team that played at the World Cup. We just need to improve the team a little bit and try to score more goals. Scoring seven goals in two matches is very good,” Mosimane, a former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach, explained further.
Mosimane also praised his players for showing respect to the opponents while playing proper football.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan also congratulated the team and said they have had a brilliant start to the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Afcon.
“Congratulations to coach Pitso, the players and technical team. You have picked up six points in your first two qualifiers, congratulations,” said Jordaan.
- Bafana Bafana, under coach Pitso Mosimane, won their first two 2027 AFCON qualifiers, beating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0.
- Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice against Eritrea, while Luther Singh, Sphephelo Sithole, and Iqraam Rayners each contributed one goal.
- Mosimane is managing a young team averaging 24 years old, with some players injured or deceased, including Jayden Adams.
- The team currently has six points and is on track to qualify for the 2027 AFCON co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- SAFA President Danny Jordaan praised Mosimane and the team for their strong start in the qualifiers.
