‘Public Enemy?’ – Pitso Mosimane defends Mbuthuma Bafana Bafana selection

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has defended his decision to select Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma for the national team.

The experienced coach named his final 30-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as a friendly against Egypt.

Mosimane was appointed Bafana head coach last month, replacing Hugo Broos, and has already stressed the importance of securing qualification for next year’s AFCON.

Mbuthuma makes Bafana squads

Speaking to the media, Mosimane explained the difficulty of trimming his squad from 35 players to 30.

“We had 35 players in the squad, but we reduced 35 to 30. It was not an easy thing to do, especially when you have to trace and follow the players. You have to understand that you can’t call all the players from South Africa,” he said.

“You need to win all your home games. I think we all know that.”

One of the more debated Bafana selections was Mbuthuma, with the Pirates striker having faced criticism from some supporters this season.

When a journalist described Mbuthuma as a “public enemy” among Pirates fans, Mosimane questioned the description.

“Public enemy?” Mosimane asked.

“Well, I don’t know what other people are saying and I don’t know why people are branding him as an enemy. I think he is a national team player. He scores goals for Orlando Pirates.

“I think you’ve seen him score goals at Orlando Stadium and, yes, maybe he is not scoring as much as you want, but he does score goals. He’s got the physical presence also and he’s a hungry man, so give him a chance,” Mosimane said.

With Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa not in the Bafana squad, Mbuthuma could warrant a start in one of the three matches.

Bafana Bafana’s 30-man squad

Goalkeepers:
Williams, Chaine, Goss

Defenders:
Sebelebele, Morena, Matuludi, Okon, Seema, Sibisi, Makhanya, Ndamane, Basadien, Modiba, Kabini

Midfielders:
Mokoena, Maboe, Sithole, Aubaas, Poggenpoel

Forwards:
Rayners, Mbuthuma, Mailula, Appollis, Dithejane, Matthews, Mofokeng, Zwane, Singh, Maseko, Campbell