Mosimane addresses Appollis reduced game-time with Orlando Pirates
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has stated that forward Oswin Appollis reduced playing minutes fitness is not affecting his Bafana Bafana selection merit.
Kenya mentor Benni McCarthy lauds impact of Bafana Bafana boss Pitso Mosimane
Mosimane took charge of the South African national team, for the second time, after the World Cup following the retirement of former head coach Hugo Broos.
He has managed three wins from his opening three games, including two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victories over Guinea and Eritrea and a friendly win over Egypt.
McCarthy is in his first spell as a national team boss after gaining his experience in the Premier Soccer League with Cape Town City and AmaZulu, and in the Premier League as a striker coach at Manchester United.
He took charge in 2025 and has managed seven wins, five draws and seven wins from his 19 games in charge.
Speaking ahead of facing Bafana in the first of two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, McCarthy had nothing but pride for his compatriot.
"Local is lekker," McCarthy said on IOL.
"You can see now that the players are playing with freedom. There's a lot of excitement and joy within the camp. They've got a coach now that understands them, the culture, and what it means to bleed South African. It's amazing to see."
Broos guided South Africa to the knockout rounds for the first time at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but McCarthy feels that Mosimane would have done a better job.
"If we had only seen that at the World Cup, I think South Africa would have done better than what they did," McCarthy added.
“I am not criticising or saying anything bad about what the previous coach has done. But when you watch Bafana now, it's different. Before, a lot of players were very tense when they put on that shirt, showing a bit of nervousness, but now they play with so much freedom.”
Bafana Bafana gear up for Kenya test in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying
Bafana Bafana host Kenya at the Amstel Orlando Arena in the first of two back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday.
Pitso Mosimane warns Bafana to be "careful" ahead of AFCON double header with Kenya
Pitso Mosimane says Africa Cup of Nations qualification remains in Bafana Bafana's hands ahead of a double header against Kenya over the next few days.
Benni McCarthy backs Relebohile Mofokeng to reach greater heights after Belgium breakthrough
Benni McCarthy believes Relebohile Mofokeng has the mentality and ability to establish himself in European football, with the young South African already making an encouraging impression at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.