Mosimane Sends Strong Message to Bafana Bafana Ahead of Crucial Kenya Double-Header: ‘Staying on Top Is What Matters’

Pitso Mosimane, head coach of the Bafana Bafana, has made his priorities very clear in the lead-up to South Africa's two pivotal matches against Kenya in the AFCON qualifiers for 2027, stating that the team's ultimate goal must be to maintain their position at the top of the group.

With a perfect record in their first two qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea, South Africa enters the two-match confrontation confident. With six points, Bafana now leads Group D and gives Mosimane's squad a head start in their quest to qualify for the continental championship.

A bright beginning is nothing if the squad can't keep consistent throughout the campaign, as the seasoned strategist knows.

Before the next games, Mosimane stressed that Bafana's primary focus should be on maintaining their lead in the rankings on Matchday 6, rather than becoming sidetracked by other matters.

My two cents is that, come Matchday 6, you can't budge from your current position at the top. Mosimane clarified that the remaining ones don't matter much.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach thinks South Africa are in a good position, but they still have a long way to go before they can achieve their qualifying goals.

After the doubleheader with Kenya, Bafana still has another tough away match against Guinea to come, which he said is one of many obstacles on the approaching calendar.

Being present right now gives us a chance. So, we have to do everything we can to remain there, but getting to Matchday 6 is going to be a huge challenge, he continued.

Mosimane has warned his South African team not to become complacent ahead of the Kenyan matches, despite the team's promising start.

Mosimane thinks the Harambee Stars, managed by Benni McCarthy (a former Bafana Bafana striker), are deserving of respect despite their lacklustre qualification campaign start.

Kenya began their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Eritrea and then lost a close one, 1-0, away to Guinea.

South Africa cannot afford to underestimate its opponents, according to Mosimane, and that outcome confirms that.

Noting that Kenya can hold its own against powerful Guinean teams, he cautioned that the close loss should not be disregarded when evaluating McCarthy's squad.

On Friday, November 13, South Africa will play host to Kenya. On Tuesday, November 17, they will travel to Nairobi for the rematch.

As the qualifying campaign develops, the Group D rankings might be significantly influenced by the double-header.

Kenya, together with co-hosts Tanzania and Uganda, is assured a spot at AFCON 2027, elevating the importance of the race for the last qualifying spot.

The advice to Mosimane is simple: Bafana must keep their minds on the task at hand, show due respect to their opponents, and defend their title.

South Africa have a chance to bolster their qualifying hopes in the next matches, but the coach is aware that his team's success will depend on their consistency, discipline, and mindset.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2120826845067116984?a=pBOOmLO7NcR3E4IwcVA&s=19