Bafana Bafana have assembled in Johannesburg ahead of their 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with coach Pitso Mosimane welcoming the hunger and humility shown by the new faces in camp.
Several players arrived on Sunday night after featuring for their respective clubs over the weekend.
Samukele Kabini joined the squad on Monday morning after travelling overnight from Norway, while Puso Dithejane arrived from Chicago in the United States shortly before dinner.
Relebohile Mofokeng, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Shandre Campbell, Thapelo Maseko and Sphephelo Sithole were expected to arrive later on Monday night.
Head Coach Pitso Mosimane said he was encouraged by the attitude of the newcomers, particularly Luther Singh and Cassius Mailula, who are looking to establish themselves in the national team.
“I feel the hunger in them. I feel that they want to show that they deserve to be in the team,” Mosimane said.
The coach acknowledged that the newcomers face competition from players who have already established themselves in the squad, including Oswin Appollis and Mofokeng.
“Everyone deserves a chance, but we have to respect those who have done the job and put themselves ahead of these boys who are here,” he said.
Mosimane singled out Mailula for praise, highlighting his progress at Mamelodi Sundowns and the maturity he has shown after experiencing setbacks in his career.
For him to crack the starting line-up of Mamelodi Sundowns, a star-studded team, and claim a position shows that he is not sitting on his laurels,” said Mosimane.
The coach also confirmed that all the locally based players had reported to camp on time, while the overseas-based players were expected to arrive as their travel schedules allowed.
However, Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe missed Monday’s training session due to a niggling injury. He will be monitored by the team’s medical staff in the coming days.
Mosimane has also completed his technical team ahead of the three-match camp, with Marcus Mashilo joining as goalkeeper coach, while Tshepo Mahao will assist with analysis and Goolam Valodia will serve as the opposition analyst.
Mashilo previously worked with Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns and has also worked alongside Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena.
“Marcus has been around. He has trained Kennedy, he has trained Denis, he has trained all the big players at Sundowns. He has achieved a lot at Sundowns and contributed to a lot of trophies,” Mosimane said.
Mosimane said having local coaches involved with Bafana was important for their development and exposure to international football.
“For me, it is important to support our local coaches and give them experience of working in Bafana. It’s good to have a local bench,” he said.
Bafana will open their AFCON qualifying campaign against Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg on Saturday.
They will then face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, 30 September, before concluding the camp with an international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.
Tickets for the Guinea clash are on sale, with adults paying R100 and children under 12 paying R40. Hospitality packages are also available.