Mahanyi's appearance and Mbokazi's recovery strengthen Bafana Bafana's defensive line

The Bafana Bafana team began its journey in the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers by defeating Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. Despite adopting changes for this new era, the team maintained the core values established over the past years.

Pitso Mosimane, leading his second mission, did not start the match perfectly, although he made a respectable beginning. His team appeared transitional, and both he and the players experienced tense moments. Mosimane remained a reserved figure on the sidelines for most of the time, occasionally checking the situation, applauding the regaining of possession, and welcoming two goals from Ime Okona and Samukele Kabini. He resembled a student and spectator more than a leader.

This freedom sometimes proved to be a double-edged sword for the team. The players seemed uncertain, finding it difficult to play freely as they repeatedly apologized to substitutes for every clumsy tackle attempt or lost ball during the day.

Since Mosimane had only been training the team for a week, it was clear that he had not yet established his philosophy. Players often lost possession, allowing the Guineans to create tense defensive moments. Although Mosimane was pleased with the play and Okona's goal, the central defender was sometimes in the attacking half of the field unusually, often against the flow of the game, which put pressure on his defensive line.

His drive to advance and assist in attack also led him to have to return backward. In one instance, he failed to cope, making a dangerous tackle in front of the goal, which resulted in a free kick and a yellow card.

In the first half of the match, Relebokhile Mofokeng looked flawless, but he lacked support. Oswin Apollos tried to find open spaces but could not break through. Mosimane even noted that Apollos needed to improve his defensive play at certain times, rather than just staying up front.

Kamogelo Sebelebele's uncertainty about whether to push forward or stay back during ball circulation caused problems at the start of the first half, when Guinea disrupted the game and started high pressing, and Aliou Baldé created various problems for him on the flanks.

However, after Guinea equalized, the true Bafana of the last five years emerged. The team demonstrated character and an unyielding determination in the search for the winning goal, and captain Ronwen Williams also called on fans to support the team.

This happened. A player who previously showed uncertainty and was somewhat raw displayed maturity under Mosimane's leadership. Kabini brilliantly capitalized on his substitution, scoring the winning goal and demonstrating impressive returns. He didn't just fit into a struggling defense; the team also found its rhythm. Shpefelo Sithole reminded everyone why he was one of the best midfielders in the team at AFCON 2023 before his progress was halted by injury.

Despite the game not being perfect and having too many controversial moments, which highlights the team's transitional period, some effective qualities of the play were shown, helping the team start the qualification campaign at a high level. The result gives Mosimane and his players a foundation for further work, but the match on Wednesday against Eritrea in Cairo should provide another indication of how quickly the new Bafana can establish its identity.

The Bafana Bafana team managed to defeat Guinea 2-1, thanks to a late goal by Samukelo Kabini. This match marked the beginning of Pizo Mosimane's second term as head coach, who achieved success at the Orlando Stadium Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The South African national team secured the first three points in their group, starting the journey to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on a positive note. Bafana showed an active start to the game and had a chance to score within the first ten minutes, but Relebokhile Mofokeng failed to capitalize on his opportunity.

The South Africans continued to dominate possession and create higher-quality chances, eventually earning a reward 30 minutes into the match. Defender Ime Okon, based in Germany, opened the scoring with a set-piece goal after the Guinean defense could not handle the attack inside the crowded penalty area.

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The first half was an ideal reward for Mosimane's team's dominance, although they could have gone into halftime with a more comfortable lead. However, Guinea returned with significant momentum in the second half and eventually equalized the score in the 69th minute.

A free kick created problems in Bafana's box, after which the ball found Seidou Sisse in the area, who did not miss from close range, leveling the teams' chances.

Mosimane reacted by bringing on substitutes, and the substitutions quickly paid off. Substitute Kabini restored Bafana's advantage in the 77th minute, drawing loud applause from the fans at the Orlando stadium.

The left-back delivered a pass from Mbutumu on the edge of the box and then calmly finished the attack, sending the ball past the Guinean goalkeeper. Despite Guinea trying to achieve another equalizer towards the end, Bafana maintained its advantage, securing a victory for Mosimane in his first official match after returning to the national team.

This result gives Mosimane a crucial start to a new phase with Bafana, and the game itself showed that despite South Africa's control over most of the match, there is still much work to be done. Nevertheless, it was a memorable day for Kabini, as his late goal, his first international one, secured all three points for the team and helped Mosimane return with a win.

Pitsso Mosimane clarified his decision to include Orlando Pirates forward Yanel Mbutuuma in his first Bafana Bafana national squad after returning as coach.

The inclusion of this player raised questions, especially regarding his attacking productivity, but Mosimane believes that Mbutuuma has more in the game than just goals in front of the net.

The Bafana coach emphasized that the key qualities influencing the selection are the player's physical strength and drive.

Mosimane noted: 'I don't know what other people are saying, and I don't know why people call him an enemy.'

He admitted that Mbutuuma could score more goals, but he believes that the 24-year-old athlete has demonstrated enough to earn a chance in the national team.

'Yes, maybe he doesn't score as many as one would like, but he scores, and he has a physical presence, and he is hungry,' stated Mosimane.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach urged fans to give the Pirates forward a chance to prove his worth on the international stage. He asked: 'Give him a chance.'

Mbutuuma will now have the opportunity to establish himself on the world stage as Mosimane begins his second tenure leading Bafana. The South African team will face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26, followed by a match against Eritrea; after that, a friendly match against Egypt is scheduled.

For Mosimane, the selection of Mbutuuma is apparently based on qualities that, in his opinion, the player can bring to his system, rather than solely on current goal-scoring statistics.