Pitso Mosimane has made it clear that he will not allow club coaches to dictate his selection decisions, insisting that responsibility for Bafana Bafana’s performances ultimately rests with him.
The South African coach is expected to field a strong starting line-up when Bafana host Kenya in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.
One selection attracting particular attention is that of Oswin Appollis, whose reduced playing time at club level has raised questions ahead of the international double-header.
Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Orlando Pirates coach, recently explained that Appollis has largely been used as an impact substitute this season as part of a workload management strategy. The midfielder enjoyed a demanding previous campaign involving domestic and continental commitments, as well as international football at the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup.
Mosimane, however, insists that club workload will not dictate his thinking. Appollis started Bafana’s previous two qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, providing three assists in the victory over the latter.
“We play once every two months, so there’s no fatigue with us,” Mosimane said at Thursday’s pre-match press conference.
“So, for me, fatigue is not mine to manage, but to choose the best player around, and who’s available.
“I don’t overtrain or detrain the team. I just use the player who’s available and good for the country.”
Although Mosimane has previously expressed his willingness to strengthen relationships with club coaches through regular one-on-one discussions, he is equally determined to maintain independence in his decision-making.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach said he was careful about allowing outside opinions to influence his judgement.
“I don’t listen to some press conferences,” he said. “I have to look at what I have. If I have to start listening and looking at everybody, then my decisions and ways of thinking will be swayed.”