Former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has highlighted the importance of strengthening the national team’s technical structure, revealing the value of having a qualified professional who can support players beyond their physical and footballing responsibilities.

Mosimane made the remarks while discussing the broader responsibilities of football coaches and the importance of addressing players’ needs both on and off the pitch.

According to the coach, managing a football team involves much more than monitoring players’ physical condition and assessing their performances during training sessions and matches.

He explained that coaches must also pay attention to the social aspects of the game and provide the necessary support to players as they deal with different challenges throughout their careers.

“That’s our job as coaches, we don’t just check the bodies, also the social side of the game, so we do our best to try and support,” Mosimane said.

He further expressed satisfaction with having someone who possesses the appropriate clinical or academic qualifications as part of the technical structure.

“It’s so good to have someone who is clinically or academically the right person,” he added.

The comments have brought attention to the growing importance of professional support structures in modern football, particularly at national team level, where players arrive from different clubs with varying physical, emotional and social demands.

Having qualified personnel within the technical team can help ensure that footballers receive appropriate attention beyond their tactical and physical preparations.

For Bafana Bafana, the addition of specialised expertise could strengthen the team’s overall approach to player welfare, preparation and performance.

Mosimane’s remarks also reflect his coaching philosophy, which recognises that footballers are not simply athletes whose responsibilities end with training and playing matches.

Their personal well-being, mental readiness and ability to cope with challenges can also influence their performances on the pitch.

As South African football continues to focus on improving the national team’s competitiveness, the importance of building a well-rounded technical team remains a significant part of that process.

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