Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has warned his players that no-one is guaranteed a starting place, with hard work and performances the only route to retaining the national-team jersey.
The 62-year-old says selection must remain fair and that established players will not be picked simply because of their reputation or status within the squad.
“It’s not that we’re paving ways for names. I have to be honest and give the boys a fair chance to play and to make them aware that if you work hard you will keep the jersey,” Mosimane told journalists.
Mosimane, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach, was speaking as three high-profile players return from injury: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba.
He said those players must recognise the contribution of the team-mates who have performed in their positions during their absence, and show them the respect they would expect in the same situation.
“Also to make aware of anybody who comes that you’ve got to respect people who are playing well at that time in your position when you are not around,” he added.
The coach said that principle also applied to established internationals who lose their place while recovering from injury or fighting for selection.
“You’ve got to have the respect that you would have felt also when you were playing and then somebody else comes now and you’re playing well and then you must make way, right?” he explained.
Mosimane believes Bafana Bafana have not reached a point where an individual’s reputation can take precedence over the needs of the team.
“We are not yet in a position where we have Lionel Messi as the boss of the team,” he said.
He referred to some of the leading players in European football to illustrate his approach, acknowledging the influence of Kylian Mbappe while stressing that the forward’s place is supported by consistent performances.
“Yes, [Kylian] Mbappe and them, they are influential in the team and week in, week out they are showing what they are and when they are fit and ready they are selected,” Mosimane said.
Mosimane also cited Jude Bellingham as an example of a player who returned from injury and earned his place through his performances.
“You saw [Jude] Bellingham, he had injuries and all that but he went to the World Cup and he showed the coach that he deserves to be back and there’s no arguments in that space when you come and do what Bellingham did in the World Cup.”
