Mosimane confident Bafana Bafana can tame Guinea in AFCON qualifier

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane remains confident his team can handle Guinea's challenge in their upcoming AFCON qualifier. The Syli National, under Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte, have been in South Africa since Monday, with Duarte fielding a mix of youth players and experienced veterans. Mosimane highlights the need to manage Guinea's top striker, Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy, who will require special attention due to his aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability.

The match, set for Saturday at Orlando Stadium, will determine which team from Group D joins hosts Kenya in the 2027 AFCON. With only one team advancing from the group, Bafana Bafana must secure a win to advance. Mosimane has also defended the inclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Thabang Matuludi, who has only recently joined Sundowns and played his first official game in the recent FIFA African Asian Pacific Cup.

The coach emphasizes that he has been monitoring Matuludi's progress since his time at Polokwane City, and the player's inclusion is a testament to his skills and recent performances. Mosimane's decision to retain most of the squad that went to the 2027 FIFA World Cup, despite some injuries, reflects his commitment to continuity and his belief in the capabilities of these players.

He has also suggested that younger players will soon be given opportunities, akin to the success seen in the South African rugby team under World Cup-winning coach Rassie Erasmus. Mosimane, a proponent of nurturing young talent, aims to revolutionize South African football at both the national and youth levels.