South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has urged Bafana Bafana to approach their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Kenya with caution, warning that their opponents could be particularly dangerous under pressure.
Bafana Bafana have returned to camp to prepare for two consecutive encounters against the Harambee Stars, with the first match scheduled for Friday, 13 November 2026, at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg.
The South Africans will then travel to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November, as both teams continue their pursuit of qualification for the continental tournament.
Mosimane’s warning comes as Kenya prepare for the double-header under pressure on home soil, with the South African coach stressing the importance of remaining focused against an opponent determined to produce a positive result.
“Be very careful when you are playing against an emotional team, especially when they have got nothing lose,” said Mosimane.
The coach’s comments underline his belief that Bafana Bafana must avoid complacency, particularly when facing a side that could use the pressure surrounding its campaign as motivation.
Bafana begin preparations in Johannesburg
South Africa started their preparations on Monday, with Mosimane overseeing his first training session at Milpark Stadium.
However, the coach did not have his full squad available, as several players were still travelling from their respective clubs and countries to join the national team camp.
A number of the expected arrivals are based in the United States, while others are currently playing their football in Europe.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane, who are based in the United States, were expected to reach Johannesburg on Monday night.
European-based players Relebohile Mofokeng and Sphephelo Sithole were also scheduled to arrive in the city later that evening.
Samukele Kabini is expected to join the squad on Tuesday.
The staggered arrival of the players means Mosimane will have to work with the available members of his squad while waiting for the remaining footballers to complete their journeys and report for international duty.
Their arrival will allow the coaching staff to continue preparations with a larger group ahead of Friday’s opening encounter.
•Mosimane expects a difficult challenge from Kenya
Despite South Africa’s preparations taking place on home soil, Mosimane has made it clear that his team should not assume the opening match will be straightforward.
The coach believes Kenya’s difficult circumstances could make the Harambee Stars particularly motivated to challenge Bafana Bafana.
His warning focuses on the psychological demands of playing against a team that has considerable pressure surrounding its performances.
Mosimane believes opponents in such situations can become difficult to handle, especially when they have little to lose and are determined to respond positively.
His message to the South African players is therefore to remain disciplined and approach both matches with the seriousness they demand.
The first meeting in Johannesburg will give Bafana Bafana an opportunity to use home advantage before travelling to Kenya for the second fixture.
However, the return match in Nairobi could present a different challenge, particularly with the Harambee Stars playing in front of their own supporters.
• Two matches could prove important for Bafana
The double-header against Kenya represents an important stage in South Africa’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Bafana Bafana will be hoping to produce positive performances in both encounters as they seek to strengthen their qualification prospects.
The opening fixture will take place at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 13 November, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
The teams will meet again four days later in Nairobi, with the second match set for Tuesday, 17 November.
With several members of the squad still expected to arrive in Johannesburg, Mosimane will be looking to bring his players together and complete the necessary preparations before the opening match.
His warning about Kenya suggests that South Africa are taking nothing for granted despite having home advantage in the first encounter.
For Bafana Bafana, the immediate task will be to produce a strong performance in Johannesburg before turning their attention to the return fixture in Nairobi.
