“We Have Not Arrived”: Mosimane Issues Strict Warning Despite Perfect 3-Win Start
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says his vast experience keeps him grounded despite winning three matches on the bounce for South Africa, emphasizing that how a team starts matters far less than how they finish.
With three consecutive victories under their belt, Bafana Bafana are building momentum as they target qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in East Africa.
Mosimane, who succeeded Hugo Broos in August on a four-year contract, has enjoyed a dream start to his second stint in charge of the national team.
South Africa kicked off their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign in Group D with back-to-back victories—a 2–1 win over Guinea followed by a 5–0 thrashing of Eritrea.
They capped off an extended international break on Sunday with a 1–0 friendly victory over Egypt at Cairo International Stadium, fielding a largely secondary squad.
Despite the sparkling start, Mosimane remains pragmatic.
“You know how football is—it’s not how you start, but how you finish,” Mosimane cautioned.
“I’m a very conservative coach, and I still get nervous,” added the veteran tactician.
That admission may surprise many, given Mosimane’s track record in high-pressure environments. He has lifted the CAF Champions League trophy three times—once with Mamelodi Sundowns and twice during a famed stint with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, where he reached three consecutive finals.
“Because we still have to qualify for the AFCON. It looks good now, but we haven’t arrived yet,” Mosimane added.
Sitting atop Group D with six points, Bafana Bafana turn their attention to a double-header against Kenya next month.
Group D presents a unique challenge: as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya receive automatic qualification. Consequently, only the group winner—or the highest-placed team other than Kenya—will secure passage to the finals, intensifying the battle at the top.
“We have Kenya back-to-back, so that is where everything will be decided. Benni McCarthy will never allow us to win easily—you know that. He is a fighter by profession,” Mosimane warned, referencing the Harambee Stars head coach.
“In football, he is a fighter, and Benni’s got a big heart for the game. It is going to be difficult, as those two games will determine our fate before we travel to Guinea.
“Let’s see how we deal with Kenya.”
