Pitso Mosimane’s return as South Africa manager has begun with two victories, seven goals and a youthful squad that leaves Bafana Bafana top of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group.
A 2-1 win over Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday was followed by a 5-0 victory against Eritrea on Wednesday. The results give South Africa six points from two matches and a strong platform in a crucial qualifying campaign.
Mosimane was satisfied with the start, despite some criticism of Eritrea’s defending and claims on social media that his approach resembled the “tiki-taka” style associated with his first spell in charge after the 2010 World Cup.
“It’s very early days for any such nitpicking,” would be a fair assessment of those concerns. Mosimane’s opening matches have instead suggested a detailed, energetic approach from a manager whose thoroughness became a defining feature after his first Bafana Bafana departure in 2012.
“Of course, when you coach you are happy with five goals, we are happy with three points,” he said after the Eritrea match. “I’m happy we won, that’s the most important; six points from two games. A good performance from our boys, we showed respect and played proper football.”
The 62-year-old wants to build beyond Hugo Broos’s work in restoring confidence to the national team over the past five years. Broos guided South Africa to the bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, their best finish in 24 years, although Bafana Bafana were eliminated in the last 16 in Morocco in January and went out to Canada in the last 32 at the World Cup in June.
Mosimane has made clear that South Africa must target their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1996 and become more competitive at the World Cup. His 30-player squad had an average age of 24, with the manager widening his options despite having no warm-up matches before the qualifiers.
Olwethu Makhanya replaced the injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi at centre-back, while Mbokazi’s return to Chicago Fire means Mosimane now has two of Africa’s most promising defenders alongside him. Ime Okon and Khulumani Ndamane also face increased competition for places.
Luther Singh marked his recall with a substitute’s goal against Eritrea after Mosimane noticed his form in Cyprus. Samukelo Kabini scored from the bench against Guinea, while Kamogelo Sebelebele impressed as man of the match after replacing the injured Khuliso Mudau at right-back.
Relebohile Mofokeng, who made four appearances in nine games for Royale Union Saint Gilloise, carried his European confidence into the squad. After impressing against Guinea, the former Buccaneer scored both of South Africa’s opening goals against Eritrea, his first internationals.
The match was played in Cairo because Eritrea has no approved venue. Mosimane said five World Cup players were injured and one, Jayden Adams, had died.
“We had to bring in five new players and had to bring young players, [some based in] Europe, give them the opportunity to play,” he said. “The foundation is good. It’s the team coming from the World Cup. But just improve it a little bit and let’s try to score more goals.”
He also welcomed the return of Themba Zwane, who came on in the 79th minute after the controversial red card he received at the World Cup.
“You have to be happy with seven goals,” Mosimane added. “Very good.”
