Khlopho Kekana defended the Bafana Bafana national team coach Pitsos Mosimane, asserting that his comments about Oswin Apollos' adaptation to the national team's playing style were misinterpreted.
Mosimane started his second stint with the team on a high note, securing a 2-1 victory over Guinea in the first qualifier match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. However, after the match, he emphasized that the players needed to adapt to the team's overall approach.
He pointed out the necessity for Apollos to adapt to the team's tactics, such as assisting as a left-back, instead of strictly adhering to his style at Orlando Pirates. This statement caused confusion among some observers, especially after Mosimane compared it to how left-back Aubrey Modiba should play for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Some critics argued that Mosimane remained biased towards Sundowns, given that he had coached the club and developed a successful strategy there. But speaking at the final of the Ke Modse Schools Championship in Sesongwe this week, Kekana defended his former mentor.
Kekana, who won numerous trophies with Sundowns under Mosimane, including the CAF Champions League, stated: 'As a former player who played under him, I knew what he was trying to say. I think the problem was simply his articulation in English.' He advised watching videos slowly to understand the coach's point.
According to Kekana, Mosimane wanted to convey the idea that players must possess sufficient flexibility to understand that in the national team, one cannot play solely according to personal desires; they need to be flexible and capable of fulfilling various roles.
Apollos featured in the second match under Mosimane, when Bafana maintained first place in Group D after two rounds, achieving a convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea. The forward delivered an outstanding performance that evening, providing three assists from five goals, and received praise from Mosimane alongside Relebokhile Mofokeng.
Kekana further explained why he believes Mosimane was misunderstood. He noted that Apollos' transition from winger to number 10 is a positive thing. He also mentioned an instance where Apollos could create a scoring opportunity (for Tapelo Maseko against Guinea), which was what was meant.
Kekana recalled how Mosimane used the term 'travel,' which he initially did not understand. He cited the example of Themba Zwane, who was a winger in their team but was not confined to the flank, explaining that Mosimane meant: a winger needs freedom and should not be restricted by the touchline.