The newly appointed South Africa coach had whittled down his initial 35-man selection to a core group of 30 who will do duty against Guinea on September 26 at home, Eritrea away on September 30 and against Egypt in an international friendly on October 4.
With the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach hitting the ground running at Bafana, a handful of players are raising their hands to be considered for the squad in the near future. A Mamelodi Sundowns star and several Orlando Pirates players are amongst the names knocking hard on the door of the South African senior men's national team.
Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has opened up on the profound impact Pitso Mosimane had on his tactical philosophy during their trophy-laden era at Mamelodi Sundowns. The former Masandawana assistant credited his old mentor for teaching him the necessity of prioritizing results over aesthetic appeal in elite competition, and believes "Jingles" appointment as South Africa coach is the right call by SAFA.
Bolton Wanderers left back Max Conway has opened the door for a future with Bafana Bafana, revealing a deep-seated desire to represent the South African national team. The 23-year-old defender, who has become a staple for the Trotters in the English Championship, is eligible to play for the 1996 African champions through his grandmother.
The newly appointed South Africa coach had little time to consider his options after his delayed appointment but on Friday he named is first extended squad list for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea on September 26 at home, before they meet Eritrea away on September 30, with a friendly against Egypt awaiting in Cairo on October 4.
The South African football legend has thrown his weight behind the new national team coach and insisted that any local coach of Mosimane's calibre deserves financial parity with their European counterparts.
Kenya
