Pitso Mosimane sends strong message to Bafana Bafana big names

Pitso Mosimane has said no player is guaranteed a starting place in the Bafana Bafana set-up.

The 62-year-old believes the competition for places must remain fair. Only hard work and performances will decide who wears the national team jersey.

PITSO MOSIMANE DEMANDS PERFORMANCE FROM BAFANA BAFANA PLAYERS

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach stressed that he would not select players simply because of their names or status in the team.

“It’s not that we’re paving ways for names. I have to be honest and give the boys a fair chance to play and to make them aware that if you work hard you will keep the jersey,” Mosimane told journalists.

The current squad has three high-profile players returning from injury: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba. According to Mosimane the players need to understand that those who have performed in their positions deserve recognition and respect.

“Also to make aware of anybody who comes that you’ve got to respect people who are playing well at that time in your position when you are not around,” he added.

The coach believes the same principle should apply to established players who find themselves competing for places after an absence.

“You’ve got to have the respect that you would have felt also when you were playing and then somebody else comes now and you’re playing well and then you must make way, right?” he explained.

Mosimane pointed out that Bafana are not at a stage where one player’s reputation should outweigh the collective demands of the team.

“We are not yet in a position where we have Lionel Messi as the boss of the team,” he said.

KYLIAN MBAPPE AND JUDE BELLINGHAM EXAMPLES

The 62-year-old also referenced some of Europe’s biggest stars to explain his position. He acknowledged the influence of players such as Kylian Mbappe but stressed that their selection is backed by performances.

“Yes, [Kylian] Mbappe and them, they are influential in the team and week in, week out they are showing what they are and when they are fit and ready they are selected,” Mosimane said.

He then pointed to Jude Bellingham as an example of a player who returned from injury and proved he deserved his place.

“You saw [Jude] Bellingham, he had injuries and all that but he went to the World Cup and he showed the coach that he deserves to be back and there’s no arguments in that space when you come and do what Bellingham did in the World Cup.”