Pitso Mosimane has explained his decision to include Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma in his first Bafana Bafana squad since returning as coach.
Mbuthuma is part of Mosimane’s 30-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea (26 September) and Eritrea (30 September), as well as a friendly against Egypt on the 4th of October.
The Pirates forward’s inclusion has raised questions, particularly around his goalscoring output, but Mosimane believes there is more to Mbuthuma’s game than his numbers in front of goal.
The Bafana coach highlighted the striker’s physical presence and hunger as key qualities behind his selection.
“Well, I don’t know what other people are saying and I don’t know why people brand him as an enemy,” said Mosimane.
“I think he’s a national team player. He scores goals for Orlando Pirates. I think you’ve seen him scoring few goals in Orlando Stadium.”
Mosimane acknowledged that Mbuthuma could be scoring more goals, but believes the 24-year-old has shown enough to earn an opportunity with the national team.
“And yes, maybe he’s not scoring as much as you want, but he does score and he’s got a physical presence also and he’s hungry.”
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach then urged supporters to give the Pirates striker an opportunity to prove himself at international level.
“Give him a chance.”
Mbuthuma will now have the opportunity to make his case on the international stage as Mosimane begins his second spell in charge of Bafana.
South Africa face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 before taking on Eritrea, with the squad then set to face Egypt in a friendly on October 4.
For Mosimane, Mbuthuma’s selection appears to be based on the qualities he believes the striker can bring to his system, rather than simply his current goalscoring numbers.
The coach will hope the Pirates forward can repay that faith when he gets his opportunity in the Bafana shirt.
Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Ime Okon, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Khulumani Ndamane, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olwethu Makhanya, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Thapelo Morena
Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena
Forwards: Cassius Mailula, Iqraam Rayners, Luther Singh, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell, Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Maseko, Themba Zwane, Yanela Mbuthuma.
