Pitso Mosimane reveals strategic reasons behind hosting Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena

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Pitso Mosimane reveals strategic reasons behind hosting Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena
Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane. Image: SAFA

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has explained the decision behind scheduling his team’s match against Kenya at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

South Africa will host Benni McCarthy’s Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on November 13 before playing in Nairobi four days later.

Pitso Mosimane
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, Image: SAFA

The Orlando Amstel Arena also hosted the 2027 AFCON qualifier between Bafana and Guinea, when Mosimane started his reign with a 2-1 win, and there have been questions as to why the national team has not played the upcoming game outside Johannesburg.

Mosimane on why Orlando Amstel Arena

Mosimane says this was a strategic decision aimed at easing the travel of his team which intends to fly out to Kenya immediately after their home game.

Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Oswin Appollis.
Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Oswin Appollis.

“The idea of the technical side for Bafana to play in Orlando Stadium is mainly based on where is the next match, when is the next match and how do you go to the next match,” he said on SABC after unveiling his final squad.

“We had to go to Egypt and play a match in three days’ time after our game [against Guinea]. What does that mean? It means the sooner we leave to go to the other side of the continent the better.

Bennni McCarthy in training in Kenya.
Bennni McCarthy in training in Kenya. Photo – Imago

“Where do you leave from? OR Tambo International Airport and then you have to leave the same night.”

Need to keep Bafana players fresh

Mosimane insists that it would have been a logistical nightmare to play away from Johannesburg since he intends to arrive in Kenya early for his team to acclimatise before the next game.  

Pitso Mosimane's Bafana will play Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Coach Pitso Mosimane. Image: SAFA

“If you say [we play in] Polokwane who also have a right to see the match. How are you going to leave from Polokwane? I will have to drive five hours back and lose a flight, which will take me away to win one more day,” he added.

“One more day is so important to get the players fresh,” said Mosimane.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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