‘I have my reasons’: Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane stands firm on Themba Zwane recall

New Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has stated that he has clear reasons for selecting veteran Themba Zwane in his first squad upon returning to the national team, while outlining the core requirements of his selection process.

Zwane is one of the most senior players in Mosimane’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Afcon qualification matches against Guinea at Orlando Stadium next Saturday and Eritrea at Al Salam Stadium on September 30, as well as the international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium in October.

His inclusion has been heavily scrutinised, given that the 2026 World Cup was expected to be his swansong as he edges closer to retirement at age 37, alongside the fact that he is currently not a regular starter at Mamelodi Sundowns.

While Zwane’s selection falls well within Mosimane’s strategy of maintaining continuity and gradually integrating youngsters so they can learn from senior players, the coach remained tight-lipped on the specifics behind selecting Zwane, who remains arguably one of the finest talents to emerge from the PSL.

“Someone asked whether I look at form, quality, experience, and the absence of those who are injured. I said yes,” Mosimane said, while speaking at Safa House on Thursday.

“You don’t choose simply because you want to choose, right? I don’t choose Themba Zwane, who’s 37, just because I want to choose him or because I worked with him at Sundowns. I have my reasons why I choose Themba Zwane.”

Mosimane backed Zwane to remain an integral part of the team in the near future, revealing that Zwane, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, and the incumbent captain Ronwen Williams will serve as three key leaders during his tenure.

Having seen coaches consistently show faith in his abilities throughout his career, Zwane will be grateful for the opportunity while ensuring he stays ready to support the team whenever called upon.