Bafana Bafana: Mosimane shuts door on ‘easy’ friendly matches

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has explained why his team will no longer be playing ‘easy’ friendly matches.

In a departure from his predecessor Hugo Broos, who preferred to play against lesser teams before major assignments to boost the confidence of his players, Mosimane feels playing strong opposition is what his team really needs.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach says this is why he selected Egypt for their friendly match after the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

Iqraam Rayners, Ronwen Williams and Luther Singh in Bafana camp. Image: SAFA

“Also, it’s easy to play a friendly that you can always win. Let’s play Egypt. Come on, let’s do it, right?” Mosimane stated as per Sportswire.

Mosimane on need for strong opposition

“And I also know my fate 14 years back. It’s because my challenge was: I picked Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, Ghana, the top six on the continent. I put them there as my friendly games to prepare, and I got all the draws, right?

“And you know my fate for that, right? And I’m asking myself, am I doing the same thing again with these friendly games?”

Tshepang Moremi playing for Bafana at the 2026 World Cup. Image: Imago

Mosimane believes playing against a tough opposition will give his players a true picture of where they are rather than being deceived that they are great when they thrash an African minnow.

“Or get somebody on the next… who we can score five goals, and then we can always say we’ve turned the corner, right? It’s easier because you’ll see the goals,” he added.

Bafana coach keen to avoid ‘comfortable’ ties

“But I’m that guy who follows only thought, right? I believe that you need to do it right, okay?”

Mosimane wants Bafana players to be accustomed to tough tests not just for their own good but for himself as well.

“And it might not go well, but it’s part of life. That’s it, that’s me in football, right?” he posed.

Khulumani Ndamane and Thabang Matuludi of Mamelodi Sundowns in Bafana training. Image: SAFA

“When it’s easy and comfortable, I get bored, right? I need the rush. I need to be on the edge a little bit, and I think that’s what I am.”

Bafana will play Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday before facing Eritrea in Egypt next Wednesday and will remain in the country for a clash against the Pharaohs on October 4.