Pitso Mosimane begins South Africa coaching tenure

Pitso Mosimane begins his tenure as the head coach of the South Africa men’s national team, Bafana Bafana, with an opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

During a pre-match press conference, Mosimane expressed his ambition to win silverware, stating, “I want to win a cup.” He noted that while qualification is necessary, the ultimate objective is to compete for titles. Mosimane also addressed the inherent pressures of international coaching, suggesting that feeling pressure is a necessary component to avoid arrogance and complacency.

The match has been marked by tension after Guinea coach Paulo Duarte declined to attend the mandatory pre-match press conference, sending his assistant, Mamadouba Sylla, in his place.

South Africa faces injury concerns regarding Lebohang Maboe and Nkosinathi Sibisi. Following the Guinea fixture, the team is scheduled to play Eritrea in Cairo, Egypt.