Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane made a cryptic admission about his selection of Themba Zwane being more than just about ‘Mshishi’’s playing abilities.
Zwane’s inclusion in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea and also the upcoming international friendly against Egypt has been a subject of conversation since the squad was announced.
Though named in the match-day squad in the 2-1 victory over the Elephants of Guinea in Orlando on Saturday, Zwane was an unused substitute. However he was seen having a bit of a lengthy conversation with Mosimane just before the coach replaced Iqraam Rayners with Yanela Mbuthuma who eventually provided the assist for the winning goal.
Asked about that conversation after the game, Mosimane said he talks to all his players while being cryptic about Zwane’s presence in the team.
“I didn’t speak to Themba only,” said Mosimane.
“I spoke to the whole team, I spoke to [Lebone] Seema also.
“It’s very difficult for me to explain to you why I bring Thembza Zwane, because you’re looking at the age. And you are right if you’re looking at the age, but he is very, very important for me. He knows the team well. He knows the players well.
“And also Seema contributed because I needed a nine, nine, nine. I needed a nine. I hope you understand. I don’t need a Cassius [Mailula] for this game. Cassius is smart. He’s intelligent.
“But I needed a nine because you know Iqraam can take you out with one ball. You saw that. I mean the ball did not fall for Iqraam. There’s one I thought it will fall for him, and as he tried to turn and he’d scored that ball, but it didn’t fall for him.”