Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has warned his side to expect a difficult challenge against Kenya, insisting they will need to be fully prepared for an opponent with little pressure on their shoulders.
South Africa face Kenya in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with Mosimane stressing that his team must find a way to secure all three points if they are to book their place at the tournament.
The coach believes Kenya’s qualification status makes them a particularly tricky opponent, as they can approach the encounter without the same pressure as Bafana, potentially frustrating the hosts or taking the game to them.
“It’s tricky. We’re playing a team who have nothing to lose. They are already qualified, they have nothing to lose, they are playing without fear,” Mosimane said.
“They can go full out or frustrate us by making sure we don’t get a goal. Whichever way they approach it, you can’t tell them how they must play.
“They have resilience and can reinforce their defence, which they must do against us. If they go toe-to-toe, the result doesn’t matter as much to them, but it’s a big match for us, a tough game for us.
“We have to have answers. We have to win the match if we want to go to the AFCON finals.”
Mosimane also pointed to the threat posed by experienced striker Michael Olunga, who is expected to lead the Kenyan attack, while highlighting the influence of their head coach Benni McCarthy.
The former Bafana striker and Manchester United coach brings significant experience to the opposition dugout, with Mosimane acknowledging the challenge of preparing for a team led by such a respected figure in South African football.
“Last time we dealt with Guirassy here, now we have Michael Olunga we need to deal with. Same copy, but he’s faster than Guirassy and he hasn’t played in one or two matches. He’s a captain and legend of the team, brought back for this game,” he added.
“We’re playing a team led by a personality, a top guy who has done more than any other player in the country. Nobody has done what he has done in the country. We have to give him the respect he deserves. Nobody has coached Manchester United in this country.
“So, we have to accept, understand and give respect and make sure we are proper and ready for the game. You can never have Benni McCarthy on the bench and they are sloppy, not running. You can’t – no chance.”
Beyond the tactical challenge, Mosimane also called on supporters to get behind Bafana, urging the media to play its part in building the atmosphere around the national team.
“We need everyone to believe in the team. The Amstel Arena must be full when we are here or any stadium, we’re at. We need to have it full, and we cannot have that without you guys. You are key,” he said.
“The media is very important, we respect that and we know it.”