Pitso Mosimane says they support both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates heading into the MTN8 final, which is why they decided to treat their players with extra care in Bafana Bafana’s international friendly against Egypt in Cairo on Sunday night.
Bafana beat Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly. Mosimane was quite pleased with the result and performance, especially after starting a largely makeshift team from the one that defeated Guinea and Eritrea in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Both failing to start the previous two matches, Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane grabbed their Bafana debuts in style, with both ensuring that they earned the respect and trust of their teammates, coach and fans.
With the squad largely made up of Pirates players, including Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Tshepang Moremi and Sipho Chaine, and Sundowns players, including Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners and Cassius Mailula, the coach had to monitor the players of the two clubs.
Returning from injury, Mosimane handed Sibisi a late introduction in the game to manage his workload, while revealing whether Aubrey Modiba might be available for the MTN8 final set for Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (6pm).
Having had a host of Sundowns players, including Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, injured during camp, a baseless allegation was formed on social media that Mosimane only rested them for the final for his former club Sundowns.
Mosimane inadvertently responded to the question during his post-match press conference, revealing why it was important to maintain a strong relationship with the clubs ahead of November.
“We played Sibisi in the last few minutes because he came from an injury, and has a cup final,” Mosimane said. “We need to protect players that are going to play in the final so that no one is going to say we have favourites. I was afraid that Sibisi might have a problem. I know that Pirates are going to need him.
“Aubrey played in the last training session. We have to support the players so that the teams are good. I am happy that all the goalkeepers played. Lebone played well as well.”
A win for either Sundowns or Pirates would cap off why the two teams had an explosive start to the season. Sundowns are top of the log with 20 points, one ahead of Pirates, who have a game in hand.
