Mosimane wants to strengthen South Africa squad depth — Daily Maverick

South Africa national football team head coach Pitso Mosimane said he wants to build a team with the same squad depth as the Springboks national rugby team. He highly praised the work of rugby coach Rassie Erasmus and his staff, who, according to Mosimane, have created a team with quality players in the starting lineup, on the bench and among footballers on the periphery of the national team.

As Daily Maverick reports, Mosimane presented his vision ahead of the first match after returning as Bafana Bafana coach. On September 26, South Africa will play Guinea at Orlando Stadium in the qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Competition on the right flank

The coach stressed the need to expand the pool of players for every position. He cited the example of right-back: first-choice player Khuliso Mudau will be unable to play due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Among the options for this position, Mosimane named Thabang Matuludi of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates. Both defenders travelled with South Africa to the 2026 World Cup and filled in for Mudau. Mosimane noted that players who demonstrate good performances should be given an opportunity to prove themselves in the national team.

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According to him, the national team needs to create a culture in which the side maintains its quality regardless of who takes the field. Mosimane also wants to use his work with the national team to influence the broader development of football in South Africa.

Focus on youth football

Mosimane said he aims to develop not only the senior national team but also youth football. In 2023, he launched the Pitso Mosimane Youth Football project. The coach stressed the need for young players to transition to senior football.

He mentioned South Africa U20's victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and raised the question of these players' further development. In Mosimane's view, an 18-year-old player who plays regularly in the South African Premier League should make it into the senior national team.

In qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa will play Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. Kenya is coached by Bafana Bafana's all-time top scorer, Benni McCarthy. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, which will jointly host the tournament, are also taking part in qualifying even though they already have guaranteed places in the finals.