Mosimane explained why 'Bafana Bafana' players protected 'Pirates' and 'Sundowns' players before the MTN8 final

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.

Pitsso Mosimane is setting strict demands for the Bafana Bafana national team players, emphasizing that the tactical approach and playing style must adhere to the interests of the team, rather than club preferences. He believes that every footballer is obliged to adapt to the needs of the national team.

Bafana Bafana

During the CAFCON qualifier match against Guinea, which ended with a 2-1 victory for Bafana Bafana at Orlando Stadium Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon, Aubrey Modiba and Oswin Apollos played on the left flank. Mosimane highly praised Modiba's performance as a left-back and urged him to continue playing as he does for 'Mamelodi Sundowns,' as this is the most effective way to serve the national team.

Mosimane stated decisively: 'Modiba must play exactly as he plays for Sundowns. He must take up the number 10 position. This is important. I did not invent this style for Modiba—he played like this. We must use his strengths.'

Nevertheless, Mosimane believes that Apollos and right-back Kamogelo Selebele could contribute more to the team's game in both defense and attack, as the Bafana formation differs from how they operate at 'Orlando Pirates.' Mosimane explained that Apollos knows that when Modiba drifts inside, he must stay on the flank. However, at 'Pirates,' Apollos plays shifted inside, whereas for the national team, he needs to adjust to match Modiba.

He added that at 'Pirates,' Apollos drifts inside while Deon Hotto comes in from the flank, but in the national team, he needs to remain wide on the flank instead of moving inside. Sometimes Selebele must drop back.

Mosimane's comments after the match sparked active debate on social media. Critics accused him of bias towards the 'Sundowns' playing style while ignoring the 'Pirates' system, which opponents argue promotes division among clubs instead of unity around the national team. However, the article's author maintains that such criticism is unfounded. Although Mosimane naturally prefers the system he created at 'Sundowns,' his approach is based on tactical logic that he developed many years ago and upon which the successes of subsequent coaches, including the current Miguel Cardoso, were built. Ultimately, the responsibility for game plans lies with Mosimane at Bafana Bafana, who develops strategies to neutralize the strengths of opponents, and the players must adapt to the requirements of the national team, not vice versa.

Former Orlando Pirates captain, Lkwati Legkwati, believes that the Bafana national team could benefit from strengthening the existing defensive duo between Lebone Sibema and Nkosinathi Sibisi at the international level.

These two players trained together as part of Orlando Pirates before the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. Legkwati urged head coach Pitso Mosimane to utilize the understanding they developed at the club level.

Sibema was included in the final squad of the Bafana national team for the upcoming international window, gaining recognition after a consistent second season with the Pirates. Sibisi has established himself as one of the experienced defenders in the national team, giving Mosimane the opportunity to consider playing these two players, who are already well acquainted due to their joint work at the club.

Legkwati believes that this closeness could prove valuable for Bafana. He noted: 'Unfortunately, coach Hugo did not select him and Sibisi when he was still here, but such a combination and connection is something Bafana can work on.'

Sibema's call-up was widely anticipated, as the 23-year-old player was named Defender of the Year following his performances for the Pirates. Legkwati considers this call-up a deserved reward for the defender's consistency since joining the Buccaneers.

He added: 'Of course, it is a deserved call-up for Sibema; he is the current Defender of the Year, so some might say it has been long overdue because he is very stable for someone only in their second season at Pirates.'

For Mosimane, this international window presents an opportunity to assess available defensive options as he begins his second term as Bafana's leader. The coach has assembled a squad combining experienced international players and younger footballers, among whom Sibema hopes to establish himself in the national team.

Bafana will begin its campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26, followed by a trip to Egypt to play Eritrea on September 30. After this, the team will face Egypt in a friendly match on October 4. With three scheduled matches, Mosimane will be able to test various lineups, including the possibility that the existing understanding between Sibema and Sibisi at Pirates can translate to the international arena.