September 20, 08:30IOL

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Cardoso supports Pitso Mosimane, asserting that players belong to the national team

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his readiness to support the new coach of the 'Bafana Bafana' national team, Pitso Mosimane, at any time, insisting that the national team players are not club players.

Thirteen Mamelodi Sundowns footballers are scheduled to report to the 'Bafana' national team on Monday. They have been included in the squad that will participate in CAF qualifiers for AFCON 2027 against Guinea and Eritrea this month. Furthermore, the team will play a friendly match against Egypt on October 4.

This number of players not only demonstrates the depth of the squad but also the team's dominance on the field, as they won the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Al Ahly 2-1 at home on Saturday.

Cardoso is pleased that there are so many players in the national team because he believes it is a deserved reward for the efforts athletes put in both in domestic matches and at the continental level. He stated: 'National teams always exist. I always support the work of the South African national team. It is my duty. That is why I am ready to help Pitso so that he can be as strong as possible.'

Despite common jokes in the football community that 'Sundowns is Bafana,' Cardoso refuted these claims. He added: 'Obviously, it is not my job, but his. But I will support him resolutely. I believe that there are no Sundowns players in the national team, but national team players. They become Sundowns players when they return. There are also no players from 'another team'. '

He also noted that he feels proud seeing the South African national team because he sees the national team itself. He compared this to working with coach Hugo (Bruce), with whom he had a good relationship, and emphasized that he provides him with the necessary resources.

The presence of his regular players in the 'Bafana' squad can be a double-edged sword for Cardoso. On one hand, the players gain more opportunities at a higher level, but on the other, they become vulnerable to injuries, especially substitutes. However, he is not worried about this. 'The players will go, and when they return, we will see,' said Cardoso. He also added that since the coach is starting his work, they want him to have a great start and hope for results with the national team, promising to support and celebrate them with the same energy as their own.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 17, 18:59

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane presents list of 30 national team players

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane explained his decisions regarding the retention of veteran Themba Zwane in the national team's management group. He announced the final list of 30 players for Bafana Bafana on Thursday afternoon at Safa House.

This squad was presented ahead of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as before a friendly match against Egypt.

Bafana will face Guinea at Orlando Stadium Arena on Saturday, September 26, Eritrea at Al Salam Stadium on Wednesday, September 30, and then play Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, October 4.

The concept of continuity and bringing in a fresh perspective defined Mosimane's first squad during his second term, reflecting his strategy of building upon the foundations laid by Hugo Brues while simultaneously addressing key areas for improvement.

Retaining the World Cup Core Team

Eighteen members of the squad participated in the group that achieved a historic playoff exit at the recent FIFA World Cup. Player selection was based on current form, experience, and availability.

Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, aged 37, who endured a difficult World Cup and remains a fringe player at Mamelodi Sundowns, was brought back to the team to provide vital leadership and experience. Mosimane acknowledged that he may not be an automatic starter.

Since the domestic league is in its early stages and viewing time is limited, Mosimane retained his proven goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chen, and Ricardo Gossa, despite Williams and Gossa now being teammates and rivals for the starting goalkeeper spot at Sundowns.

Zwane's Return as Leader

Williams has a clear opportunity to strengthen his place in the team, as Mosimane confirmed that Williams, Zwane, and Chen will feature among the team leaders.

The start of the season also encouraged players who were previously on the bench or excluded. Cassius Mailule, Luther Sing, and Lebohang Maboe have returned to the national team with expectations of immediate impact.

Several notable names—including Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Talente Mbatata, Evidens Makgopu, and Huliso Mudau—were not selected due to ongoing rehabilitation from injuries.

Mosimane expressed strong confidence that the new and returning faces will bring much-needed energy, specifically highlighting the selection of Yanela Mbuthumu from Orlando Pirates, stating that the forward fully deserves his spot despite criticism for missed opportunities.

South African players playing for foreign clubs, such as Relebokhile Mofokeng, Tapelo Maseko, and Shandre Campbell, have successfully adapted in their new European clubs, and Mosimane is interested in seeing how they translate club form onto the international stage.

iol.co.zaSeptember 6, 15:00

Jomo Sono advised Pitsos Mosimane not to make radical changes before Bafana Bafana's return

South African football legend Jomo Sono shared advice with new coach Pitsos Mosimane ahead of the Bafana Bafana national team's return. Sono, who previously served as an interim coach for Bafana Bafana at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, offered his recommendations.

Former Bafana Bafana coach Jomo Sono strongly urged Pitsos Mosimane to refrain from making large-scale changes as he begins his second tenure leading the national team. Sono believes that Mosimane inherited a strong foundation from Hugo Bruus and should develop it rather than starting everything from scratch.

Bafana is scheduled to play Guinea on September 26th, followed by Eritrea in four days as part of the 2027 AFC qualifiers. Additionally, a friendly match is planned for October 4th in Egypt, leaving Mosimane with limited time to prepare the squad.

Sono stated on Radio 2000: 'There is a foundation. This guy (Bruus) built the foundation for Pitsos.' He added that despite the tight schedule, Mosimane should prepare the team that participated in the World Cup, as he already has players.

'He shouldn't bring in new players and say, 'We are building a new Bafana Bafana.' He has a game in three weeks. The players who went to the World Cup, he can add one or two. They know each other, they know the playing style. Because being a coach is about ensuring that players know each other, that players understand each other on the field. That is what you build as a coach, understanding between players.'

Mosimane announced a preliminary squad for the international break on Friday, including ten new faces in his first selection. Among them are Yanela Mbutuma, Cemran Dansin, Tshepo Mashilwane, Puso Dithejane, Shandri Campbell, Lebone Siema, Tashrik Matthews, Ronaldo Van Neel, Lebohang Maboe, and Luther Singh.

Sono's advice comes at a time when Mosimane is preparing to leave his mark on the Bafana squad, which reached the 2026 World Cup playoffs under Bruus' leadership. Although the new coach has already shown a willingness to introduce fresh faces, Sono believes that continuity will be crucial given the short timeframe before the AFC qualifying matches.