Pitso Mosimane has changed Bafana Bafana

Pitso Mosimane has only been back in charge of Bafana Bafana for three games, but the early signs are difficult to ignore. Three matches have produced three wins, eight goals and just one concession as South Africa opened their new era with victories over Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt.

The most impressive part is that Mosimane has already shown a willingness to trust different players and combinations. After beating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 in the AFCON qualifiers, he made nine changes against Egypt – and Bafana still secured a 1-0 victory in Cairo.

THREE GAMES, THREE WINS FOR PITSO MOSIMANE

South Africa have scored eight goals and conceded just one across Mosimane’s first three matches in charge.

The victories over Guinea and Eritrea came in AFCON 2027 qualifying, while the 1-0 win over Egypt provided an impressive test against one of Africa’s traditional football powers.

The victory in Cairo was particularly significant, with Puso Dithejane scoring the only goal of the game on his international debut before the team held on for a clean sheet.

Mosimane has also used the three matches to assess different players and combinations, making several changes to his starting lineup against Egypt.

BAFANA BAFANA ON THE RISE

The perfect start has also been reflected in South Africa’s FIFA ranking, with South Africa moving up to as high as 48th in the current rankings.

Eight goals scored and only one conceded represents an impressive return for Mosimane, who has immediately brought positive results since returning to the national team.

There is still plenty of football to be played, but Mosimane could hardly have asked for a better start to his second spell in charge of Bafana Bafana.

Three games. Three wins. Eight goals scored. One conceded. Pitso Mosimane is off to the perfect start.

THE SQUAD THAT DID THE BUSINESS

GOALKEEPERS

• Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates
• Ricardo Goss, Mamelodi Sundowns

DEFENDERS

• Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Samukele Kabini, Molde FK
• Fawaaz Basadien, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Kamogelo Sebelebele, Orlando Pirates
• Thapelo Morena, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thabang Matuludi, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Olwethu Makhanya, Rangers FC
• Khulumani Ndamane, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Ime Okon, Hannover 96
• Lebone Seema, Orlando Pirates
• Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates

MIDFIELDERS

• Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Lebohang Maboe, Kaizer Chiefs (Injued and replaced by Tshepang Moremi)
• Sphephelo Sithole, CD Tondela
• Bathusi Aubaas, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Durban City

FORWARDS

• Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates
• Cassius Mailula, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates
• Puso Dithejane, Chicago Fire
• Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Relebohile Mofokeng, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
• Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thapelo Maseko, FC Copenhagen
• Luther Singh, AEL Limassol
• Shandre Campbell, KV Kortrijk.

CAN PITSO MOSIMANE LEAD BAFANA BAFANA TO AFCON GLORY IN 2027?

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