Pitso Mosimane is expected to make sweeping changes for South Africa’s friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium tonight (8pm), with Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane among the players likely to attract most attention.
The pair watched from the sidelines as Bafana Bafana beat Guinea and Eritrea in their recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Mosimane selected his strongest available sides for those games, but the meeting with the Pharaohs offers an opportunity to give the highly rated youngsters valuable international experience.
Campbell plays for Belgian Pro League club KV Kortrijk, while Dithejane is with MLS side Chicago Fire. Both have been in strong form for their clubs and were included to strengthen the squad as Mosimane plans beyond next year’s Afcon in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The coach is also looking towards a younger group that includes Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Lebone Seema, Khulumane Ndamane, Samukele Kabini, Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Fawaaz Basadien, Khulumani Ndamane, Thabang Matuludi, Thapelo Morena, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Tashreeq Matthews, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Luther Singh and Cassius Mailula are among those expected to feature.
Okon said South Africa were relishing the chance to test themselves against one of Africa’s leading teams, while also welcoming Bafana’s progress into the top 50 of the Fifa rankings.
“Egypt is one of the biggest teams in Africa, and as a player you always want to challenge yourself against the best teams and players,” said the central defender.
“We are excited to play against them and show what we are all about. We are headed in the right direction. We are doing well, the junior national teams are also doing well, and we can only up [our game] from here.
“It is motivating to see the team moving a few places up on the rankings. When we look at the teams that are around us, it makes us realise that we can go higher from here and everything is possible.”
South Africa have been together in camp for an extended period, but Okon said the squad had adapted because of its familiarity with one another.
“Yes, the camp has been long but the group has adjusted because we know each other very well. The fact that we are winning matches makes it easier.”
Clubs weigh up player workloads
Mosimane’s emphasis on maintaining relationships with clubs could be welcomed by coaches if he rests players who played most of the minutes against Guinea and Eritrea.
The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns takes place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The players are expected back in South Africa by Tuesday, four days before the final.
Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou would welcome Oswin Appollis and Kamogelo Sebelebele being left out in Egypt, while he is unlikely to object to Sipho Chaine, Sibisi, Lebone Seema and Mbuthuma getting minutes for match fitness.
Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso faces a more complicated situation. Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas are injured and doubts for the final, while the long journey home could further affect their availability. Cardoso would probably be content for Morena, Basadien, Matthews and Mailula to play.
Mbokazi and Evidence Makgopa could also come into contention when Afcon qualifying resumes against Kenya in back-to-back matches in November, provided they are fit.
Mosimane has also been monitoring South Africa’s younger national teams. Amajita won the Cosafa U20 Championships in Mozambique last weekend, while the U23 side began preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games with a 3-1 comeback victory over Algeria at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
“We saw the U23s, we watched the game, and we are happy with what we saw; we are happy with the prospects,” said Mosimane.
