Kaizer Chiefs player included in Bafana Bafana's first squad under Pitso Mosimane

The appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the head coach of the Bafana Bafana national team has drawn mixed reactions. Some consider him a suitable candidate for developing the team, while others fear the opposite. Supporters point to Mosimane's significant progress and numerous trophies won globally over the past years. Opponents, however, argue that he is better suited for club football and that his perceived overconfidence will not benefit the national team.

Nevertheless, the decision has been made: Mosimane will lead Bafana for at least the next four years. His first phase will begin with the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month. He must maintain focus, preventing both praise from becoming excessive and criticism from causing demoralization.

Prioritizing Results

In recent years, Bafana has demonstrated a competitive level, showing that it no longer participates in major tournaments merely to fill spots. The team finished third in the postponed Africa Cup of Nations 2023 and reached the World Cup playoffs for the first time in history. Mosimane must build success on this foundation. Bafana must approach every match with a single goal: to win. This is the only way to earn the respect of continental and international rivals and justify the 'favorite' status in future encounters.

Establishing a Clear Playing Identity

Achieving success on the international stage requires more than just selecting the best players from around the world. Mosimane is obliged to create a clear tactical scheme, defining how the team wins, and demonstrating a distinct playing style. Mosimane is known for preferring an explosive, attacking philosophy rather than defensive balance. If he intends to implement this approach, he needs to instill this confidence in the players while ensuring the team does not remain vulnerable defensively.

Finding a Reliable Striker

Despite achievements in different years, Bafana has struggled to find a consistent goalscorer. Lyle Foster has shown inconsistency, and Evidence Makgopa has yet to prove he deserves a permanent spot in the squad. Although scoring goals, like defense, is a collective responsibility, Mosimane needs a forward on whom he can consistently rely to finish chances created by teammates.

Not Over-relying on Mudau

If Mosimane takes anything from the current injury crisis before this month's qualifiers, it is the necessity of having a wider and more versatile pool of players. Every team member must be ready to fulfill their role. Right-back Khuliso Mudau will be absent this month, despite being a regular member of the national team. His injury serves as a reminder that no player is immune to setbacks; Mosimane must ensure there are other players ready to immediately replace starters if they become unavailable.

Planning for the Future

Mosimane will face similar circumstances not only with Mudau during his tenure; it is likely to happen with most, if not all, players. Therefore, Mosimane must ensure that there is both a starter and a capable substitute in every position ready to contribute in any challenge. Beyond the attacking line, there was a period when the goalkeeping corps experienced instability in the absence of Ronwen Williams. This weakness highlighted the need for squad depth, especially when former coach Hugo Bruus was forced to rotate goalkeepers within a single international window.

Pitso Mosimane announced the formation of a technical staff composed of his trusted employees, including Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaagu. This decision was made after opting not to retain the personnel of his predecessor, Hugo Bruus, which included Helman Mkhalele.

Mosimane returned to the position of head coach of Bafana Bafana on a four-year contract, fourteen years after his first tenure in this role. His presentation took place at Safa House on Tuesday.

Despite the team having significantly strengthened over the past years, achieving qualification for the World Cup playoffs in the last tournament, Mosimane intended to develop the foundation laid by Bruus, but with his own team.

Mosimane stated that Rangoaagu and Matlaba would serve as his assistants. The rest of the staff, including the third assistant, will be announced later. This means that former assistant and goalkeeper coach Helman Mkhalele and Grant Johnson have lost their positions.

The decision to part ways with Mkhalele is particularly notable given his status as a Bafana star and his important role alongside Bruus during the brilliant period. Furthermore, Bruus had previously hinted at Mkhalele as his potential successor, provided he obtained the necessary coaching qualifications.

However, since Matlaba and Rangoaagu had worked with Mosimane for years, helping him win over 21 trophies across various clubs, including three CAF Champions League titles and multiple appearances in FIFA Club World Cups, their track record made them the natural choice to support Mosimane upon his return to Bafana.

Mosimane emphasized his experience, stating: 'I have people I've worked with at (three) FIFA World Cups.' He added: 'These are people who understand how we operated differently in South Africa, on the continent, and beyond. I have people who I believe can support me.'

Mosimane cited Italian tactician and Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti as an example of why coaches should work with people they trust and who complement them, including family members, provided they achieve success and win trophies.

He noted: 'Every coach has their own technical team, right? I always want to refer to practical examples. I always refer to Carlo Ancelotti. Who does he take? His son. They won many trophies. If my son were here in South Africa, they would talk about nepotism and all that. But they worked well and won trophies. The world doesn't look at the fact that Ancelotti hires his son, but at the work they did. So for us, it's the same thing: the work we did before.'

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