South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed his plans for the Bafana Bafana squad after taking over from Hugo Broos, indicating that while the team’s core will remain intact, several players could be given opportunities to stake their claim.
The newly appointed coach officially began his tenure on Tuesday and spoke about his approach to managing the current squad, acknowledging the foundation built by his predecessor while highlighting the need to make changes due to injuries and the emergence of new talent.
Mosimane insisted that he does not intend to completely overhaul the squad.
"I’m not carrying the biggest broom to sweep here," Mosimane told the media.
"We have a very good foundation of a team that went to the World Cup. Yeah, it’s mixed with about five injuries, major injuries, that they won’t be available. I think you know the names of the people who are not going to be available. So, we need to replace those, but it’s very important. There’s no time, as you said."
Mosimane’s immediate priority will be South Africa’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with Bafana Bafana scheduled to face Guinea and Eritrea in Group D this month.
With several important players unavailable because of injury, the new coach is also assessing emerging South African talents who are performing well in leagues abroad.
Explaining his approach to the upcoming fixtures, Mosimane said the squad changes would serve two purposes: replacing injured players while also giving opportunities to those who have impressed outside the country.
"We just have to replace those players who are out injured, and also at the same time, there’s a few emerging talents, players who are doing exceptionally well abroad," he added.
"We know about them; we’re looking into that. But the main focus is the two qualifiers, and we have a friendly game that we can bring and give other players a chance who have not been able to play.
One of the issues surrounding the previous era was the limited opportunities given to some members of the squad, with certain players travelling to major tournaments without getting meaningful playing time.
Mosimane highlighted Samukele Kabini as an example, suggesting that the youngster deserves an opportunity to demonstrate what he can offer at international level.
"I mean, we have players like Kabini; they have never been given a chance to play, so we have to see them also, and they are part of the team. They were in the World Cup; they didn’t get a chance to play, but we also have a team that you and me know very well that has to lead us to qualify for the AFCON, but in the process we will give opportunities to other players."