Pitso Mosimane has given Samukelo Kabini a major boost after making it clear that players who were overlooked during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be given another opportunity to prove themselves.
The new Bafana Bafana head coach was officially unveiled by SAFA this week and immediately outlined his intention to assess the wider squad rather than making decisions based solely on previous playing time.
Among the players specifically highlighted by Mosimane was Kabini, who was part of South Africa’s World Cup squad but did not make an appearance during the tournament.
MOSIMANE WANTS TO SEE WHAT KABINI CAN OFFER
Kabini’s inclusion in the World Cup squad showed that he was already considered part of the national-team setup, but he never got the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities on the pitch.
Mosimane believes those players deserve to be assessed properly.
“Kabini has never been given a chance to play, so we have to see them also,” Mosimane said.
“They were in the World Cup, they didn’t get a chance to play, but they are also part of the team.”
The message is significant for Kabini, who now has a fresh opportunity under a new coach.
Rather than immediately moving on from fringe players, Mosimane appears keen to establish what they can offer before making decisions about their international futures.
A FRESH START UNDER MOSIMANE
Mosimane’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for Bafana Bafana, but the coach has indicated that he does not intend to completely overhaul the squad.
That could benefit players such as Kabini.
Being part of the previous World Cup squad means the defender already has experience within the national-team environment. The challenge now is turning that experience into an opportunity to play.
For Kabini, the upcoming international window could therefore be an important chance to make an impression on Mosimane and his technical team.
BAFANA FACE IMPORTANT AFCON TESTS
South Africa’s attention will soon turn to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Guinea and Eritrea among the opponents awaiting Mosimane’s side.
The timing could work in Kabini’s favour.
Several established Bafana players are currently dealing with injuries, potentially creating openings for players who have previously been on the fringes of the squad.
An upcoming friendly could also give Mosimane an opportunity to assess some of those players in a competitive environment without immediately placing them under the pressure of a crucial qualifier.
KABINI’S BAFANA CHANCE HAS ARRIVED
Mosimane’s comments do not guarantee Kabini a starting position, but they do send a clear message: previous lack of playing time will not automatically count against him.
The new coach wants to see what overlooked members of the squad can offer.
For Kabini, that means the door to Bafana Bafana is open again.
Now, it is up to the defender to take his opportunity when it comes.
