Piso Mosimane humbles himself after Paulo Duarte's high praise of Bafana's victory over Guinea

Samukele Cabini demonstrated excellent play for Bafana Bafana, scoring the decisive goal in the match against Guinea. Following this, he received advice from teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi: 'Qina, ndoda!' (Get stronger, man), showing strong performance during the team's 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon.

Cabini came on as a substitute for Aubrey Modibe, who was struggling with an injury, and provided strong play on the left flank, scoring the winning goal as Bafana started their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home with a high start. His goal was executed decisively and accurately after he managed to find space, catch a pass, and powerfully strike a low shot past goalkeeper Soumaila Silla.

Before the goal, Cabini communicated with Pitso Mosimane on the field line. However, Mosimane, who managed his first game in the second half, declined to claim credit for the left-back's influence. He stated: 'I don't take credit for things like that because we coaches sometimes want to sound smart when a goal is scored,' adding that it was a conversation with the player, and he could not disclose details.

Cabini's impressive appearance for Bafana was his first since the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria late last year. In that game, he appeared nervous, losing possession and making clumsy tackles, which prompted defender Mbokazi to urge him to be more resilient against the massive and skilled Nigerians.

Mosimane noted that Cabini and Favaz Basadien could compensate for Aubrey Modibe's absence in the next two matches against Eritrea on Wednesday and Egypt on Sunday, October 4th, explaining why the first would be a replacement for Modibe. 'We have an overload of full-backs,' said Mosimane. 'Basadien is also available, but Cabini is playing at a good level. He needs a chance. Cabini is a big, strong guy. He is strong, and you can see that the Guinean players are also big and strong.'

After a difficult start to the game, where the team struggled against Aliou Baldé in the first half, Kamogelo Selebele managed to redeem himself by winning the Man of the Match award. Mosimane was pleased with Selebele's efforts. 'I was worried about Kamogelo Selebele, who is shorter, in corner kicks. But it was even. The players marking him were not very tall. He has the speed to challenge and win duels,' commented Mosimane.

He continued: 'In the first half, he had an opponent because this guy had many fouls. But he dealt with him and became Man of the Match. That is incredible. He played well. I think it shows that he is playing here and accustomed to international football.'

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.”

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.