WeeklySA_AdminBUILD-UP: Pitso Mosimane throws Bafana’s fresh faces into a demanding Cairo test against Egypt tomorrow, appealing for patience as injuries deplete his midfield…
By WSAM Sports Correspondent
Bafana Bafana’s emerging players will be thrown into the deep end against Egypt tomorrow night, with coach Pitso Mosimane preparing wholesale changes and urging South Africans to give his new-look side time to find its feet.
The international friendly at Cairo International Stadium kicks off at 21h00 Cairo time — 20h00 in South Africa — on Sunday, October 4. It concludes a productive international camp that has already delivered two victories in the opening rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
South Africa beat Guinea 2-1 before dismantling Eritrea 5-0 on Wednesday, banking six points from their first two Group D matches. Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice against Eritrea, with Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh also finding the net.
The challenge is we have to let them swim with the sharks, but we’ve got nothing to lose…
With those competitive assignments completed, Mosimane is shifting his attention to assessing players who have had little or no opportunity during the camp.
Speaking to SAFA on Friday, he said the intention had always been to give every squad member a chance across the three matches. Against the Pharaohs, that plan will expose several emerging players to a demanding examination.
“We are pleading for patience and support for them. They are breaking through and we need to see what we have in our ranks,” Mosimane said.
“Unfortunately we have a big team (Egypt) that we have to play against on Sunday. The challenge is we have to let them (the players) swim with the sharks, but we’ve got nothing to lose.”
Goalkeepers Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss are expected to see action, along with Fawaaz Basadien, Khulumani Ndamani, Shandre Campbell, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews and Cassius Mailula, among others.
For those awaiting their chance, Cairo offers an opportunity to strengthen their claims for a regular place in the national team.
BUILDING BEYOND TODAY
Mosimane’s approach is driven by the need to develop a broader pool of international players and begin building towards the next FIFA World Cup.
“It is a friendly game and we need to see what they are capable of at this level. So we plead for patience and support for these youngsters,” he said.
“The country must understand that we have played the qualifiers (against Guinea and Eritrea) and we are done. That is the most important thing.”
He stressed that opportunities to experiment are limited.
“It is important to build for the next FIFA World Cup and if we don’t put them in now, when are we going to see them? We do not have friendly games until the Africa Cup of Nations next year, so this is the only chance they have.”
His most pressing selection problem lies in midfield. Bathusi Aubaas and Teboho Mokoena are both ruled out through injury, leaving the coach to find a combination capable of protecting the defence while supplying the attack.
Against Egypt, control in that central area could determine whether Bafana can establish their passing rhythm or spend long periods responding to pressure.
Mosimane is also monitoring the next generation coming through South Africa’s youth teams.
The Under-20s secured back-to-back COSAFA titles last weekend, while the Under-23s opened their preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a 3-1 comeback victory over Algeria in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
“We saw the U23s, we watched the game and we are happy with what we saw, we are happy with the prospects,” he said.
Tomorrow’s challenge brings that longer-term ambition into sharp focus. Bafana arrive with winning momentum; their fresh faces now have the chance to show they can hold their own when the waters become considerably rougher.
