Pitso Mosimane is preparing to shuffle his pack when Bafana Bafana take on Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo on Sunday. Kick-off is at 20:00 at the Cairo International Stadium.
With the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea now done and dusted, the Bafana coach plans to use the fixture to hand opportunities to younger players, and he has asked supporters to be patient with them.
Predicted Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Fawaaz Basadien
Midfielders: Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Themba Zwane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tashreeq Matthews
Attackers: Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma
Notable substitutes: Puso Dithejane, Shandre Campbell, Khulumani Ndamane, Luther Singh
“Swim With the Sharks”
Mosimane has openly admitted that this is a chance to look at the depth of his squad. He acknowledged that Egypt are a big team to face, but said the youngsters have to be exposed to that level, and that South Africa have nothing to lose.
He stressed that the match is about building for the future rather than chasing a result. In his view, these players need minutes now because there are no more friendlies on the calendar before next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, making this their only window to prove themselves.
His message to fans was simple: the qualifiers are finished, so now it is time to invest in the next generation ahead of the next FIFA World Cup cycle.
A Chance to Prove They Belong
For the fringe players and rising talents in Mosimane’s squad, Cairo is a stern test and a golden opportunity. How they handle the occasion could shape the coach’s thinking as the next major cycle begins.
What is your expected line-up? Let us know in the comments.
