How Themba Zwane and Yanela Mbuthuma sparked Bafana Bafana’s win over Guinea

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has continued to explain the importance of Themba Zwane in his team, stating his knowledge of the team and his teammates enables him to be part of the set-up.

Mosimane spent a large amount of time talking to Zwane when Bafana were deadlocked at 1-1 against Guinea in the Afcon qualifier on Saturday at Orlando Amstel Arena. A few minutes later that chat, Mosimane brought on Yanela Mbuthuma.

The towering striker, who’s had a love-hate affair with local supporters, embraced the rapturous reception to his cameo, rewarding the faith with an assist as Samukele Kabini scored Bafana’s lead, which was the eventual winner.

With Zwane not making a cameo and being closely managed at Mamelodi Sundowns due to his age (37), Mosimane has been asked about the rationale behind his selection. He continued to be vague in his response, but stated one of the reasons on Saturday.

“I didn’t speak to Themba Zwane only, but the whole team,” said Mosimane on whether the attacker had an influence on making Mbuthuma’s cameo. “I spoke to (Lebone) Seema also. But it’s very difficult for me to explain why I bring Themba Zwane. You are looking at the age, right?

“You are right if you are looking at his age, but he’s very important to me. He knows the team and the players well.”

Zwane wasn’t the only person that gave Mosimane a picture of who needs to come on for Iqraam Rayners, along with Mbuthuma’s club teammate, Seema.

“Also, Seema contributed,” Mosimane noted. “I need a real No 9. Cassius is smart, but I needed a No 9. Sometimes, (Ronwen) Williams can pick you out and you know that. The ball didn’t fall for Iqraam (Rayners) as you turned the ball would have fallen for him.”

Mbuthuma also had a chance to cement his cameo with a tap-in late in the game, but failed to get at the end of the pass. Mosimane, however, was happy with his effort and overall presence in the team.

“He gave an assist, and he’s normally not that flashy player that you want,” Mosimane said. “I know what I want. I signed players (at Sundowns) who were like (Cuthbert) Malajila, who were just like that. So, Mbuthuma can help us. He has a physical presence in set-piece situations.”