Bafana Bafana national team coach Pitsos Mosimane explained his strategy for choosing Egypt for the first friendly match during his second tenure as coach. He stated that he quickly loses interest when matches are too easy.
International Friendly Matches
Mosimane will begin his second period of work with the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea at home on Saturday, and then play in Erriha in Cairo on September 30. After this, the team will stay in Cairo to meet the Pharaohs in a friendly match on October 4.
The game against Egypt will provide a real test for young players, reserves, and returning players. Although the national team has not won the Africa Cup since 2010, Egypt remains the most successful on the continent, holding seven continental trophies, including three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2010.
Considering that Egypt ranks 24th in the world and third on the continent, while Bafana is ranked 54th and 10th respectively, Mosimane emphasized that his team needs to perform its best.
“It is easy to play a friendly match that you can always win,” said Mosimane. “Let’s play Egypt. Let’s do it right.”
Previously, during his first term, Mosimane planned matches against leading African forces, which ultimately led to his dismissal after a series of draws. Nevertheless, he realizes that he might face similar scrutiny but remains unfazed.
He added: “I also know my fate from 14 years ago. It was because I played Ivory Coast, Zambia, Ghana—the six best teams on the continent. I used them as friendlies for preparation, and I got all draws. You know my fate.”
Mosimane asked himself: “Am I doing the same thing with these friendlies? Or should I find someone we can beat 5-0 and say we have changed? But I am the type of person who falls for his own dreams. I believe we must do it right. It may not work out, but it is part of life.”
Choosing the easy path simply does not suit Mosimane's style; instead, he prefers to challenge himself. “Here I am. This is me in football—when it is easy and comfortable, I get bored,” concluded Mosimane. “I need this excitement. I need to be on the edge. I think that is my essence.”