Pitso Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana dugout could hardly have started better.
The South African coach has now guided Bafana Bafana to three wins from three matches since returning to the national team, with Sunday’s impressive 1-0 victory over Egypt in Cairo providing the biggest statement yet.
Bafana had already recorded a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea and a commanding 5-0 win over Eritrea in the AFCON qualifiers before travelling to Cairo, where Mosimane opted for a much-changed line-up and still emerged with all three points.
Despite the unfamiliar combinations, Mosimane was pleased with the way his players responded to the challenge.
“Football is football. I’m a very conservative coach, so yes, there are still things we need to improve,” Mosimane said after the match.
The veteran coach, however, was particularly encouraged by the opportunity to expose some of his less experienced players to the intensity of an international fixture of this magnitude.
“For me, there are not many better games to give these young players than this one. Let them experience it, let them learn, and let them grow,” he said.
Mosimane also highlighted the importance of managing his squad, with Bafana forced to deal with changes and a thin midfield during the encounter.
“At one point, we were a little thin in midfield, and I had to play Makhanya [Olwethu] in midfield towards the end. But that’s part of football. We do what we have to do.”
The coach was also pleased with the contribution of the players who came into the team, stressing that opportunities such as these are crucial as Bafana build greater depth.
“We need to keep checking them, keep giving them chances and throw them into the deep end.”
But while the victory over Egypt represents another significant milestone in Mosimane’s return, the coach was quick to temper expectations.
The bigger objective remains qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations first, and Mosimane knows that Bafana’s impressive start does not mean the job is finished.
“The most important thing is that we still have to qualify for the Afcon. It looks good now, but we haven’t arrived yet. We’ve got Kenya back-to-back, and that’s were everything will be. Benni [McCarthy] will never allow us to win easy you know that he is a fighter by profession.”
And Mosimane has no intention of allowing his players to become complacent.
“Nobody should say that we are favourites. We have to remain humble, work hard and prepare properly.”
With three victories from three matches, Mosimane’s second spell in charge has delivered the perfect start. But the coach knows the real test will be maintaining that momentum when the stakes become even higher.
“We know what is coming. Nobody is going to allow us to win easily. They are fighters, and professional football is like that. It is going to be very difficult.”
For now, though, Bafana can savour a statement victory in Cairo — one that has given Mosimane and his squad valuable momentum, while also providing a glimpse of the depth he is beginning to build.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
