Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy believes Bafana Bafana could have achieved more at the 2026 FIFA World Cup had Pitso Mosimane been in charge of the national team.
McCarthy has praised the influence of Mosimane since taking over the South African national team, suggesting that the players appear more relaxed, confident and comfortable playing under their new coach.
Bafana reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup under former coach Hugo Broos. However, McCarthy feels the team might have produced an even stronger performance with Mosimane in the dugout.
McCarthy Praises Pitso Mosimane’s Influence on Bafana
Speaking ahead of South Africa’s meeting with Kenya, McCarthy highlighted the positive atmosphere within the Bafana Bafana camp and credited Mosimane for understanding the players and the country’s football culture.
The former Bafana striker was particularly impressed by the freedom and excitement displayed by the players since Mosimane’s arrival.
“Local is lekker. You know, you can see the players play with freedom. There’s a lot of excitement, there’s joy within the camp,” McCarthy said.
He added that Mosimane understands the players, their culture and what it means to represent South Africa.
According to McCarthy, the difference is noticeable when watching Bafana play, particularly in how comfortable the players appear when wearing the national team jersey.
Benni Thinks Bafana Could Have Gone Further at the World Cup
McCarthy believes the confidence currently visible within the squad could have made a difference at the World Cup if Mosimane had been appointed earlier.
“If only we had it at the World Cup, I think South Africa would have probably done a little bit better than what they did,” he explained.
However, McCarthy was careful not to undermine the work done by Broos, making it clear that his comments were not intended as criticism of the former coach.
He believes the current players are showing less nervousness and expressing themselves more freely under Mosimane’s leadership.
McCarthy also expressed his hope that Bafana will continue making progress under the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach.
As a proud South African, he said it was encouraging to see the national team moving in a positive direction and wished Mosimane and his players continued success.
Can Pitso Mosimane Take Bafana to the Next Level?
McCarthy’s comments have reignited the conversation about what Bafana Bafana could have achieved at the 2026 World Cup under different leadership.
While Broos guided South Africa to the knockout stages, Mosimane now faces the challenge of building on that foundation and taking the national team to greater heights.
With confidence, team chemistry and expectations growing, South African supporters will be watching closely to see whether Mosimane can deliver on the promise surrounding his appointment.
Do you agree with Benni McCarthy? Would Bafana Bafana have performed better at the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Pitso Mosimane?
