The appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana coach has been met with mixed emotions. Some believe he is the right man to take the team forward, while others fear he will do the opposite.
The two camps hold differing views: supporters point out that Mosimane has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, winning multiple trophies across the globe. Conversely, naysayers argue that he is better suited to club football and that his perceived arrogance will not benefit the national team.
Nonetheless, that is settled: Mosimane is set to lead Bafana for at least the next four years, beginning with the 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month. He must remain focused, neither getting carried away by praise nor discouraged by criticism. With that in mind, here are the areas he needs to address immediately.
Prioritise results
Bafana Bafana have shown a competitive edge in recent years, proving they no longer participate in major tournaments simply to make up the numbers. They finished third at the 2023-delayed Afcon and reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the last edition. Mosimane needs to build on that foundation.
Bafana must approach every match with the sole purpose of winning. That is the only way they will earn the respect of their continental and international counterparts while ensuring they live up to the "favourites" tag in future encounters.
Select a clear identity
Winning at international level requires more than just selecting the best players from around the world. Mosimane must establish a clear tactical pathway, defining how the team win and showcasing a distinct playing identity.
Mosimane is known for being a coach who prioritises an explosive, attacking philosophy over defensive balance. If he intends to implement this, he needs to instill that confidence in his players while ensuring the team are not left exposed defensively.
Find a reliable No 9
While Bafana have achieved necessary results over the years, they have struggled to find a reliable marksman. Lyle Foster has been inconsistent, while Evidence Makgopa has yet to prove he deserves a permanent spot in the squad.
Granted, scoring goals – like defending – is a team responsibility. However, Mosimane needs a striker he can consistently rely on to finish the chances created by teammates.
Don’t overly rely on Mudau
If Mosimane learns anything from the current injury crisis ahead of this month's qualifiers, it should be the need for a wider, more versatile pool of players. Every squad member must be prepared to play their part.
Right-back Khuliso Mudau will be a huge miss this month, having been a consistent fixture for the national team. His injury serves as a reminder that no player is immune to setbacks; Mosimane must ensure there are other players ready to step in seamlessly when starters are unavailable.
Plan for the future
It is not only Mudau who will face such eventualities during Mosimane's tenure; most, if not all, players will. Therefore, Mosimane must ensure that every position has both a starter and a capable backup ready to contribute with every call-up.
Beyond the striking unit, there was a period where the goalkeeping department lacked stability in Ronwen Williams' absence. That vulnerability highlighted the need for depth, particularly when former coach Hugo Broos was forced to rotate goalkeepers within a single international window.