Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Lovers Mohlala has criticised Pitso Mosimane over his selection of technical staff following his return as head coach of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.

Speaking in the latest edition of KICKOFF Magazine, which features an interview about Mosimane's return to the national team setup, Mohlala expressed disappointment with what he believes is a lack of support among South African coaches for former professional footballers who want to build careers in coaching.

Mosimane has enjoyed an impressive beginning to his second spell as Bafana Bafana coach, winning all three of his matches since taking charge. His attention has now shifted to the upcoming back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Kenya.

For his new technical team, Mosimane has appointed Morena Ramoreboli as his principal assistant, while Marcu Mashilo has taken responsibility for goalkeeping. Musi Matlaba has been appointed head analyst, with Kabelo Rangoaga handling the team's strength and conditioning programme.

However, one notable figure missing from the setup is former Bafana Bafana winger Helman Mkhalele. The former international, who was part of the South African squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, previously worked as an assistant coach under Hugo Broos from 2021 until after the FIFA World Cup earlier this year.

Mkhalele's absence has attracted attention, particularly because of his experience within the national team environment.

Mohlala did not hide his frustration when discussing the situation. He suggested that some local coaches are unwilling to give former professional footballers opportunities, even when those individuals have experience and understand the demands of the game.

He argued that there appears to be a lack of unity among former players who move into coaching, with some allegedly reluctant to work alongside their former teammates.

Mohlala also questioned why Mosimane did not consider the personal circumstances of former players who depend on football-related employment to support their families.

He suggested that Mosimane, having experienced the football industry himself, should understand the challenges faced by retired players trying to establish themselves in coaching and other technical positions.

The former Sundowns defender acknowledged that Mosimane has the right to choose his preferred technical team based on professional considerations. However, he believes former players should not be overlooked simply because of personal differences or a lack of willingness to support one another.

Mohlala further argued that some former professional footballers are being denied opportunities while coaches bring in individuals who may not have experienced top-level football as players.

He particularly questioned the decision to appoint Ramoreboli, not necessarily because of his coaching ability, but because he believes Mosimane should also consider the difficulties faced by former professional players seeking opportunities in the technical structures of the game.

Despite his criticism, Mohlala acknowledged that Mosimane deserves another opportunity to lead Bafana Bafana based on his coaching achievements and experience.

The debate comes at an important time for the national team, with Mosimane preparing his players for two challenging encounters against Kenya. The first match is scheduled to take place at the Orlando Amstel Arena on 13 November, before the teams meet again in Nairobi four days later.

Mohlala's comments have brought renewed attention to the issue of opportunities for former South African footballers in coaching and technical roles. While Mosimane remains entitled to select the staff he believes can deliver results, Mohlala's criticism raises questions about unity, mentorship and support within the country's football fraternity.

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