Bafana Bafana legend Sibusiso Zuma has delivered a bold verdict on Pitso Mosimane’s first national team squad, warning that the selected players face a make-or-break opportunity as a host of overlooked stars wait in the wings.
Mosimane trimmed his initial 35-man provisional squad to 30 for the upcoming matches, which include the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea at home on September 26, Eritrea away on September 30, and an international friendly against Egypt on October 4.
One of the most notable absentees is striker Lyle Foster, who recently completed a move to MLS side Houston Dynamo from Burnley FC. Foster was left out by former coach Broos for Bafana’s final two World Cup matches before missing out on Mosimane’s latest squad altogether.
Mosimane recently returned for his second stint as Bafana head coach, taking over from Broos following the expiration of the Belgian tactician’s SAFA contract.
SELECTED BAFANA BAFANA STARS DESPERATE TO IMPRESS PITSO MOSIMANE SAYS SIBUSISO ZUMA
Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews and Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma made the cut, while the inclusion of the latter and Mamelodi Sundowns veteran Themba Zwane sparked debate.
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye questioned the decision. Zuma, however, said the selected players will be desperate to prove they belong in the new coach’s plans, knowing the litany of stars waiting on the wings for their chance, among them Gift Links, Fagrie Lakay and Thembinkosi Lorch.
“I know him; he is not a biased coach [Mosimane]. The players called up by the new coach will go all out to impress him because this is their first test. This will be Pitso’s chance to really see if they will suit his system and his philosophy at Bafana Bafana,” Zuma told FARPost.
“Bafana have quite a number of good players that were not called up in the past. They are waiting on the wings for their chances, and Pitso’s coming brings a new chance.
“So those who are available will use this opportunity to make sure they catch Pitso’s eye. They know they have to convince him that they deserve to stay in his plans. Everyone will want to prove that he should keep calling them up.”
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