‘Bafana would have done better in the World Cup under Pitso’ – McCarthy

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy believes Bafana Bafana could have gone further at the 2026 FIFA World Cup had Pitso Mosimane been in charge.

Under Hugo Broos, Bafana reached the Round of 32 earlier this year but McCarthy feels the team could have achieved more under Mosimane’s leadership.

Speaking ahead of the match against South Africa, McCarthy was full of praise for Mosimane and the impact he has had on the national team.

“Local is lekker. You know, you can see the players play with freedom. There’s a lot of excitement, there’s joy within the camp… and yeah, they’ve got a coach now that understands them, that understands the culture, that understands what it means to bleed South African. And it’s amazing to see,” he said.

Benni McCarthy feels Bafana are on the right path

“If only we had it at the World Cup, I think South Africa would have probably done a little bit better than what they did.

“Not criticising or saying anything bad about what the previous coach has done, but I just feel that when you watch Bafana now… so many players that you saw were very tense when they put on that shirt, a bit of nervousness… but now they play with so much freedom.”

McCarthy believes Bafana are heading in the right direction under Mosimane and hopes the current progress continues.

“Yeah, and it’s great as a South African to see what your country is doing and what the players are also doing. It’s fantastic to see, and I really wish that they have endless success under the leadership of coach Pitso,” he added.