With his sights set on making his mark in the national team, Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane has outlined what he believes will help him excel at Bafana Bafana.
Moloisane was included in Hugo Broos’ final 23-man squad that was announced on Thursday, 13 March, for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
Bafana will lock horns with the neighbours Lesotho on Friday, 21 March, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. The showdown is scheduled to start at 18:00.
Broos’ troops will then travel to Ivory Coast to face Benin on Tuesday, 25 March 2025. This match will also be played at 18:00 [SA time].
So far, Moloisane has earned three caps with the national team during the 2024 COSAFA Cup tournament.
THABO MOLOISANE REVEALS KEYS TO BAFANA BAFANA SUCCESS
The Mamelodi Sundowns product claims that his participation in the CAF inter-club competition has provided him with insights into what is needed at the national team level.
The 26-year-old has featured in 10 CAF Confederation Cup matches for Stellies and helped the Cape Winelands-based outfit qualify for the tournament’s group stage phase.
Overall, Moloisane has participated in 35 games across all competitions for the Steve Barker-coached side and contributed two goals with one assist this season.
“Look, it’s very important going to the national team having had experience of playing in the continent. So, you get to have a taste of what is required to play at this level [international],” said Moloisane. “You also have a proper judgement of what is expected from you. There are a lot of challenges playing on the continent.
“So, to add on that, I think it fairly gives me a chance to be properly prepared for the international stage.”
THABO MOLOISANE ON COSAFA CUP EXPERIENCE
The talented centre-back also weighed in on the experience he gained while he was with the national team at the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
“You know, being with the national team during the COSAFA, you get a taste of what it takes to be in the Bafana team. Coach Helman [Mkhalele] made sure we understand what is required of us to be in the national team continuously,” he added.
“I think, the stages are not the same, to be honest. We have a big skill now, we know what is required from us as players and it’s a matter of you giving back the confidence that is given to you to be part of the team.”
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