The 'Golden Arrows' coach, Pitso Dladla, noted the significant advantage of the national team having a local specialist in its coaching staff. This became particularly relevant after Ronaldo Van Niel was called into the preliminary squad for the Bafana Bafana national team.
Previously, Ronaldo Van Niel faced Tabiso Monyane from 'Kaizer Chiefs' during the MTN8 2026 quarter-finals. Notably, the 'Golden Arrows' player unexpectedly made it into the preliminary squad for Bafana Bafana before Pitso Mosimane's return.
According to 'Golden Arrows' coach Pitso Dladla, having a local coach in the Bafana Bafana leadership gives the team a crucial advantage in identifying and continuously monitoring talent. Dladla believes that Pitso Mosimane and his technical team monitored Ronaldo Van Niel long before the forward moved to 'Arrows', which likely explains his inclusion in the preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Van Niel joined Abafana Bes'tendwe from 'Highland Lions' at the start of the season, finishing as the league's top scorer with 13 goals. Although the forward is still adjusting to the new environment, Dladla believes his qualities will become more apparent as he adapts.
Dladla stated: 'This is the plus of having a local national team coach, because Coach Pitso and his technical team knew Ronaldo Van Niel here at 'Arrows', not just recently.' He added that he is confident that if they were asked, they would confirm that they know the player and are monitoring him. 'For us as a team, we know what Ronaldo is capable of; he is still adapting, he hasn't fully settled in. I promise you, once he acclimatizes, you will see more of him. But it is nice to see him in this squad.'
The coach believes that Van Niel's selection could open doors for other 'Arrows' players if they continue to perform consistently well. He named players such as Gasu, Philani Humalo, and Sabelo Sithole as candidates for national team recognition, urging them to remain ambitious. Dladla also noted that injuries prevented some of his players from making an impression on Mosimane. He specifically highlighted Ayanda Jiyane and Ntando Mabaso, who could have been selected for the Bafana Bafana squad had they remained healthy. 'It is a shame about Jiyane getting injured along with Mabaso. But I just think that if Jiyane hadn't been injured, he could have received a call-up to the national team. Last season, he was one of the best central defenders.'
Thus, for Dladla, Van Niel's selection is not only recognition of one player but also proof of the value of having a coach who can closely monitor the domestic league and its rising stars.