‘Let’s Try To Win The Cup’: Mosimane Sets Bold AFCON Target For Bafana
Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane declared that winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa is the national team’s primary mandate as South Africa open their AFCON qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Following his departure in July after five years at the helm, former coach Hugo Broos insisted Bafana Bafana possessed the quality to target the 2027 crown across host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Broos guided South Africa to a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON (played in early 2024). While Bafana suffered a Round of 16 exit at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, they bounced back dynamically on the global stage, reaching the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Inheriting a solid foundation, Mosimane insists Bafana Bafana must translate progress into tangible trophies.
“We should acknowledge and appreciate the previous coach for the job he did. It was a great five years,” Mosimane told reporters at Friday’s pre-match conference. “But we have to win a trophy. Let’s try to win the cup.”
Why Does Pitso Mosimane Believe Bafana Bafana Must Target the AFCON 2027 Title?
South Africa have not lifted the AFCON trophy since hosting and winning the tournament in 1996, last reaching the final in 1998 in Burkina Faso.
“We need to win the cup; we haven’t won it in far too long,” Mosimane continued. “I want to win the cup. I’m not saying I guaranteed it, but I want to win it. That is why I’m here.
“If we don’t try to win the cup, what are we qualifying for? You can’t win without qualifying first, but the clear objective is to lift the trophy.”
What Is Bafana Bafana’s Head-to-Head Record Against Guinea?
Bafana Bafana face a stern opening test against Guinea, a side they have failed to beat in their last three encounters across all competitions.
The two nations last played out a goalless friendly draw in Belgium in March 2022. Guinea also defeated South Africa 2-0 during the 2006 AFCON group stage in Egypt, while also holding the upper hand in last year’s CHAN tournament match.
Mosimane’s men aim to break that winless run against the 81st-ranked Syli National to kick off their qualifying campaign on a high note.
