Pitso Mosimane has made it clear that Bafana Bafana cannot afford to approach their upcoming matches against Kenya with any sense of superiority, warning that Benni McCarthy’s influence could make the Harambee Stars a dangerous opponent.

South Africa are preparing for two meetings with the Kenyan national team in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The first encounter is scheduled for November 13 at Orlando Stadium, before the teams meet again in Nairobi on November 17.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Mosimane highlighted the possibility that players could become especially determined to perform when their coach is facing uncertainty about his future. He believes such circumstances can inspire a team to produce an unexpected result.

“If a player or a coach’s future depends on a game, you’ve got to be very, very careful of that because sometimes the players play for him and you can get the biggest surprise you can ever have,” Mosimane said.

He also urged his players not to underestimate McCarthy, pointing to the former Bafana Bafana striker’s achievements both on the field and in coaching.

McCarthy previously worked with Manchester United, where he was part of the coaching staff under Erik ten Hag and worked with players including Cristiano Ronaldo. As a player, he won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004, an achievement Mosimane believes deserves recognition.

“You’ve got to also respect that Benni is a good coach. Benni was coach in Manchester United, a dream that any coach in South Africa wished to have. He coached [Cristiano] Ronaldo,” Mosimane said.

The Bafana coach also noted that Kenya have players competing in different European leagues, another reason South Africa must prepare carefully rather than judge their opponents by reputation.

To reinforce his point, Mosimane referred to Cape Verde’s progress in international football, arguing that teams should be respected regardless of how highly they are rated.

He also drew on his own coaching experiences, explaining that he had previously lost matches against opponents who were widely considered less formidable.

Mosimane’s message comes as Bafana seek to maintain their positive start under his leadership. South Africa won their opening two AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, placing them at the top of Group D.

With McCarthy now leading Kenya against his home country, the upcoming double-header carries an additional coaching storyline. Mosimane wants his players to remain focused and avoid complacency, knowing that reputations and previous results will count for little once the matches begin.

Source: https://x.com/soccer_laduma/status/2119876645800518065?s=46