{
  "id": 12191221,
  "title": "Mosimane explains why Bafana Bafana protected Pirates and Sundowns players ahead of MTN8 final",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/mosimane-explains-why-bafana-bafana-protected-pirates-and-sundowns",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T16:49:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/2026-10-05-mosimane-explains-why-bafana-bafana-protected-pirates-and-sundowns-players-ahead-of-mtn8-final/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pitso Mosimane, coach of Bafana Bafana, explained his decision to protect players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates ahead of the MTN8 final. The coach aimed to support both teams during their international friendly against Egypt in Cairo on Sunday night. Bafana Bafana emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.\n\nMosimane expressed satisfaction with the result and performance, particularly after starting a makeshift team that had previously not performed well in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers. Two players, Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane, made their debuts in the match and impressed both their teammates, coach, and fans.\n\nWith the majority of the squad consisting of Pirates players and a few Sundowns players, Mosimane had to closely monitor the clubs' players. Sibisi, who had been injured, received a late introduction to manage his workload. Mosimane addressed rumors that he had rested injured Sundowns players for the final, clarifying that he wanted to protect all players involved in the upcoming cup final. Aubrey Modiba might be available for the MTN8 final, scheduled for Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Mosimane emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with clubs as they prepare for the final.",
  "summary": "Pitso Mosimane explains Bafana’s careful handling of Pirates and Sundowns players ahead of the MTN8 final, insisting both clubs deserve support from the national team.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pitso Mosimane protected Pirates and Sundowns players for MTN8 final.",
    "Bafana Bafana won 1-0 against Egypt in Cairo.",
    "Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane made debut in match."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}