Mofokeng magic, Kabini heroics help to lift the dark clouds as Mosimane savours Bafana return

The shades of grey that momentarily brought gloom to the blue skies above the stadium mirrored Pitso Mosimane’s return to Bafana Bafana, who, just when they thought they were in clear broad daylight, faced dark moments that threatened their day.

In the end, though, it was the start Mosimane wanted. His team beat Guinea 2-1 to begin their AFCON group-stage qualification campaign at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, setting the ideal pathway to the finals in the Pamoja region next year.

But the joy of winning his first match back was tinged with a gloomy note for Mosimane. He cut a lonely figure when he walked onto the pitch for inspection, greeted by empty, largely black-painted seats and only a handful of supporters.

The venue only truly came to life during Bafana’s rendition of the South African national anthem, as supporters joined in, singing in full voice to cheer the team.

Dressed in a black and grey suit, Mosimane was relaxed on the touchline, largely strolling with his arms folded and soaking everything in. His opposite number, Paulo Duarte, was a stark contrast, pacing up and down the technical area like a man possessed.

The fact that Guinea were second-best to Bafana in the early stages frustrated Duarte, who had played every mind game in the book during the build-up, including abandoning his pre-match press conference and attempting to play his cards close to his chest.

Mosimane didn’t need mind games — let alone a trump card — with Relebohile Mofokeng on the pitch. The 21-year-old returned to his old stomping ground waving a magic wand, showcasing his growth since moving to Belgium in the summer.

The joy with which Mofokeng played brought smiles to the masses and mixed reactions from Mosimane, who was either shell-shocked by every missed chance — needing to be embraced by assistant Morena Ramoreboli — or applauding every tackle won and ball recovered.

The Amstel Arena lived up to its reputation as a difficult venue for visitors. Initially, local son Kamogelo Sebelebele struggled at right-back — almost haunted by his own Ghosts — but thanks to the freedom and comfort offered by Mosimane, Sebelebele redeemed himself and duly walked away with the Player of the Match award.

Ime Okon continued to endear himself to South African football, opening his account in the first half to give Bafana the lead. The hollow, gloomy stadium Mosimane had painfully walked onto transformed into a warm, bright home with fans chanting his name, to which he responded with a salute.

The second half demonstrated how a blend of continuity and fresh perspective could help the team moving forward. Bafana started at a slow pace, allowing Guinea acres of time and space, and were duly punished when Seydouba Cisse scored the equaliser.

Instead of burying their heads in self-pity, Bafana showed a never-say-die attitude, with Ronwen Williams cajoling the fans to get behind the team immediately after conceding.

A tactical substitution bringing on Samukelo Kabini for Aubrey Modiba proved to be a masterstroke. The left-back grabbed the opportunity with both hands, pacing up and down the flank and recovering the ball with ease.

He was duly rewarded, scoring Bafana’s winner late in the second half to bring calm and comfort to Mosimane, who gratefully embraced him. Yanela Mbuthuma also made a cameo appearance at a familiar ground to rapturous applause that enlivened the contest.

When referee Sadou Brahamou blew his final whistle, Mosimane turned to his bench and embraced everyone. There were shades of grey in his team’s performance, but light had prevailed, setting the stage for a strong run to the finals.

Mosimane and his troops will now turn their focus to Eritrea on Wednesday in Egypt, where he hopes the sun will continue to shine on their campaign.