Pitso Mosimane and Benni McCarthy will find themselves on opposite sides of a high-stakes encounter when Bafana Bafana take on Kenya in two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches this month.
South Africa host the Harambee Stars at Orlando Stadium on 13 November, before travelling for the return fixture on 17 November. While both coaches will be targeting positive results, the matches carry different implications for their respective futures.
For Mosimane, the challenge is to maintain Bafana Bafana’s impressive start under his leadership. For McCarthy, the pressure is growing as he looks to silence criticism surrounding his time in charge of Kenya.
Bafana Bafana in a strong position in Group D
South Africa have made an excellent start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, collecting maximum points from their opening two matches.
Bafana Bafana began with a 2-1 victory over Guinea before producing a convincing 5-0 win against Eritrea. They also strengthened their confidence with a friendly victory over Egypt in Cairo in October.
Those results have placed Mosimane’s side at the top of Group D, with Guinea currently occupying second position. Kenya and Eritrea are also part of the group.
However, Kenya’s situation is different because the country is one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027 and has already secured qualification for the tournament.
That leaves South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea competing for the remaining qualification place in the group.
Two victories against Kenya would put Bafana Bafana in a particularly strong position ahead of the final qualifying fixtures scheduled for March next year.
The first encounter takes place at Orlando Stadium on 13 November, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. The return fixture is set for 17 November, although the match details were still listed as unconfirmed by SAFA in the information provided.
Mosimane looking to continue his winning start
Mosimane returned to the Bafana Bafana coaching position in September, replacing Hugo Broos, who guided South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
The experienced coach has made an encouraging start to his second spell in charge of the national team.
His opening AFCON qualifying matches produced victories over Guinea and Eritrea, while the win against Egypt provided another positive result.
The upcoming meetings with Kenya will offer another opportunity for Mosimane to demonstrate the progress being made under his leadership.
With Bafana Bafana targeting a place at AFCON 2027, maintaining their winning momentum will be important as the qualification campaign approaches its decisive stage.
McCarthy facing pressure despite Kenya’s AFCON qualification
While Mosimane is enjoying a positive start, McCarthy is dealing with a different situation in the Kenya dugout.
The former Bafana Bafana striker took charge of the Harambee Stars in 2025, replacing caretaker coach Francis Kimanzi.
Despite Kenya already securing a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, McCarthy continues to face questions about the team’s performances.
According to Transfermarkt statistics cited in the original report, his record as Kenya coach stands at eight wins, five draws and eight defeats.
Kenya’s qualifying campaign has also included a draw against Eritrea and a defeat to Guinea.
The matches against South Africa therefore represent an important test for McCarthy. A disappointing run could increase the pressure on his position, with reports suggesting that his future as coach could be at risk.
Mosimane and McCarthy: Familiarity may not decide the contest
The meeting has an additional storyline because Mosimane and McCarthy know each other from their time in South African football.
McCarthy played under Mosimane during the latter’s first spell as Bafana Bafana coach. The two have also faced each other as opposing coaches in the Premier Soccer League.
That history could provide both technical teams with useful insight into the other’s approach. However, Mosimane has played down suggestions that their familiarity gives him a decisive advantage.
Speaking to Africa Soccer, the Bafana coach explained that knowing an opponent offers information rather than a guaranteed upper hand.
“It doesn’t mean that when I know an opponent, I have an advantage. No, it just gives me a little bit of data, and I understand certain patterns and what is most likely to happen,” Mosimane said.
What is at stake for both coaches?
Although Kenya are already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament, McCarthy will want his team to compete strongly against one of the continent’s leading national sides.
For Mosimane, the priority is clear: secure as many points as possible and move Bafana Bafana closer to qualification.
The two matches could therefore have very different consequences for the coaches. Mosimane is looking to strengthen his position and build momentum, while McCarthy needs results to ease the growing scrutiny around his tenure.
The tactical contest between the two South Africans adds another layer of interest to an already important international fixture.
Can Pitso Mosimane maintain Bafana Bafana’s winning run, or will Benni McCarthy lead Kenya to a statement result?
