Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has made it clear that he will not get involved in how clubs manage their players’ workloads. Speaking ahead of South Africa’s important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya, Mosimane was asked about Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis, who has seen reduced game time at club level this season.

Appollis, 25, has started only four of the nine league matches he has played for Pirates in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has limited his minutes as a precaution to help the player recover and stay fresh. Some supporters and media have wondered whether this would affect Appollis’ chances of playing for the national team.

Mosimane shut down the talk quickly. “We play once in two months. There is no fatigue with us,” he said. “So the fatigue does not belong to us. Fatigue is not for me to manage. For me, it’s to choose the best player who is around and who is available. I don’t overtrain; I don’t de-train the team. I just say who is available and who is good for the country, and then I use them.”

The experienced coach added that he hears many opinions in press conferences but does not allow them to influence his decisions. “To be honest, some I don’t listen to. If I start listening to anyone, then my decisions and my way of thinking will be swayed,” Mosimane explained.

South Africa face Kenya at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening in a match Bafana must win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Mosimane’s squad selection will focus on players who are fit, available and performing well, regardless of how much football they have played for their clubs in recent weeks.

Appollis has been an important player for both Pirates and Bafana in the past, known for his pace and ability on the wing. While his club minutes have been managed carefully, the national team coach has made it plain that those decisions stay with Orlando Pirates. For Mosimane, the only things that matter are whether a player is ready and whether he can help the country.

With the Kenya match just hours away, Bafana supporters will be watching closely to see which players Mosimane trusts in what is described as a must-win fixture. The coach’s message is simple: club fatigue is not his problem to solve. He will pick the best available players for South Africa.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2121241946538524825?a=ldWG8zobdx8KmX0ZaiQ&s=19