Bafana Bafana coach Mosimane spots a dangerous twist

Mosimane knows Bafana Bafana cannot afford to take anything for granted as they chase another three points in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kenya, led by Benni McCarthy, have already secured their place at the tournament as co-hosts, meaning they do not carry the same qualification pressure as South Africa.

Mosimane feel this fact could make Kenya a big threat to his side.

“They can go full out or frustrate us by making sure we don’t get a goal. Whichever way they approach it, you can’t tell them how they must play,” he told journalists.

The coach expects Kenya to show defensive resilience but has also warned that they could take the game to South Africa.

PITSO MOSIMANE WARNS BAFANA ABOUT BENNI MCCARTHY’S KENYA

Mosimane has also identified experienced striker Michael Olunga as one of the players his defence must contain.

The Kenyan captain is expected to lead the attack, with the Bafana coach comparing the challenge of dealing with him to their previous encounter against Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy.

“Last time we dealt with Guirassy here, now we have Michael Olunga we need to deal with. Same copy, but he’s faster than Guirassy and he hasn’t played in one or two matches. He’s a captain and legend of the team, brought back for this game,” he added.

However, Olunga is not the only figure attracting Mosimane’s attention. The presence of McCarthy in the opposing dugout adds another dimension to the fixture.

The former Bafana Bafana striker and Manchester United coach will lead Kenya against his home country, earning respect from Mosimane ahead of the Soweto showdown.

“We’re playing a team led by a personality, a top guy who has done more than any other player in the country. Nobody has done what he has done in the country. We have to give him the respect he deserves. Nobody has coached Manchester United in this country.

“So, we have to accept, understand and give respect and make sure we are proper and ready for the game. You can never have Benni McCarthy on the bench and they are sloppy, not running. You can’t, no chance.”

MOSIMANE CALLS ON SUPPORTERS TO PACK ORLANDO

Despite recognising the threat posed by Kenya, Mosimane insists Bafana must find a way to win if they want to qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals.

“We have to have answers. We have to win the match if we want to go to the AFCON finals.”

The Kagiso-born coach also took the moment to encourage and call on South Africans to come in numbers to fill up the Orlando Amstel Arena.

“We need everyone to believe in the team. The Amstel Arena must be full when we are here or any stadium, we’re at. We need to have it full, and we cannot have that without you guys. You are key,” he said.

“The media is very important, we respect that and we know it.”