Pitso Mosimane has urged supporters to give Yanela Mbuthuma a chance after selecting the Orlando Pirates striker in his first Bafana Bafana squad since returning as head coach.
Mbuthuma is part of a 30-man group for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by a friendly against Egypt. South Africa host Guinea at Orlando Stadium on 26 September before travelling to face Eritrea on 30 September, with the Egypt fixture scheduled for 4 October.
The inclusion of Mbuthuma has prompted questions over his goalscoring record, but Mosimane believes the 24-year-old offers more than his numbers suggest.
“Well, I don’t know what other people are saying and I don’t know why people brand him as an enemy,” Mosimane said. “I think he’s a national team player. He scores goals for Orlando Pirates. I think you’ve seen him scoring few goals in Orlando Stadium.”
The coach acknowledged that Mbuthuma could be more prolific, but highlighted his physical presence and hunger.
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“And yes, maybe he’s not scoring as much as you want, but he does score and he’s got a physical presence also and he’s hungry,” Mosimane said. “Give him a chance.”
The squad blends established internationals with emerging talent and players based abroad. Captain Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane and Tebogo Mokoena are included, alongside Relebohile Mofokeng, who has begun his European career with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Other overseas-based selections include Samukele Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Puso Dithejane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell.
For Mosimane, the upcoming fixtures will provide the first competitive test of his second spell and an opportunity to assess whether Mbuthuma can translate his qualities to the international stage.
Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Ime Okon, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Khulumani Ndamane, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olwethu Makhanya, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Thapelo Morena
Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena
Forwards: Cassius Mailula, Iqraam Rayners, Luther Singh, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell, Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Maseko, Themba Zwane, Yanela Mbuthuma.