Mosimane explains Bafana’s part-time coaching structure

After his first training session at the UJ Stadium on Monday, Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane outlined his strategy for the national team's backroom staff in preparation for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Stadium. During a media briefing following the assembly of his squad camp, Mosimane clarified the reasoning behind assembling his technical team with part-time specialists, with a particular emphasis on the recently appointed goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo.

Mashilo's credentials, despite his lack of a high-profile name, were highlighted by Mosimane, who pointed out his extensive experience working with various clubs and coaches, including Mamelodi Sundowns, Golden Arrows, Marumo Gallants, and even assistant roles under coach Wendell Robinson and coach Manqoba at both Sundowns and Golden Arrows. He also mentioned Mashilo's ability to train high-caliber players like Kennedy Mweene and Denis Onyango, accumulating numerous trophies at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mosimane further emphasized his philosophy of constructing a solely South African coaching bench, aiming to boost South African coaching credentials on the international stage. Alongside Musi Matlaba, the long-time performance analyst, and fitness coach Kabelo Rangoaga, Tshepo Leuta Mahao would join the technical department to lend support to Musi with analysis and data. The coach stressed the importance of providing local coaches with international experience during Bafana's camp, as having a local bench was crucial.

Concerning squad readiness, the former Al Ahly and Sundowns manager confirmed that local players arrived at the camp on Sunday without any issues, while the overseas-based players are arriving gradually after their club commitments over the weekend. Mosimane acknowledged that there would be overseas players participating in the AFCON qualifying campaign, mentioning players like Puso Dithejane, Luther Singh, and Samukele Kabini, who would be joining the team.

Bafana Bafana is set to kick off their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Guinea on Saturday afternoon at 3 PM at Orlando Stadium, with the team subsequently departing for Cairo to face Eritrea.