Pitso Mosimane on Bafana Bafana facing Egypt: 'When it’s easy and comfortable, I get bored'

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed his motivation for setting up a friendly against African champion Egypt as his first match of his second coaching period. Mosimane acknowledged that he quickly loses interest in games that are too effortless. He will kick off his second spell with 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Guinea at home on Saturday and Eritrea away in Cairo on September 30.

Following these matches, the squad will be in Cairo to face Egypt in a friendly on October 4. This fixture serves as a significant challenge for Mosimane's bench players, emerging talents, and returning players. Despite Egypt not having won the Afcon title since 2010, the team is Africa's most victorious nation, boasting seven continental championships, including a remarkable three-in-a-row from 2006 to 2010.

With Egypt ranked 24th globally and third on the continent, compared to Bafana's positions of 54th and 10th respectively, Mosimane emphasized that his team must perform at their peak. He explained that friendly games where a victory is guaranteed are monotonous, and he prefers to face formidable opponents like Egypt. Mosimane had previously lined up games against top African powers during his initial tenure, which ultimately resulted in his dismissal due to a series of draws.

He is cognizant of the potential for similar criticism but remains undeterred. Reflecting on his past, Mosimane admitted that he previously scheduled friendly matches against Africa's top teams as preparation, leading to a string of draws. He questioned whether he was repeating the same approach with these upcoming matches. Mosimane, who believes in doing things right even if the outcome is not favorable, stated that when faced with easy and comfortable situations, he becomes bored.

He explained, "That's me in football – when it's easy and comfortable, I get bored. I need the rush. I need to be on the edge a little bit. I think that's what I am."