Pitso Mosimane targets Springboks model to drive Bafana Bafana’s youth revolution

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says taking lessons from the Springboks’ “building squad model” will be key to ensuring South Africa successfully integrates more talented youngsters into its national structures.

Mosimane is set to take charge of his first Bafana match when they host Guinea in a 2027 AFCON qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon (kickoff 3pm). He has assembled a strong squad featuring a potent blend of senior core leadership and emerging talent.

Mosimane established that he will field his strongest line-up in the competitive qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea (September 30) at Al Salam Stadium, before providing fringe players, youngsters, and returnees an opportunity against Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo on October 4.

A host of in-form youngsters — including Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandré Campbell, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, and Puso Dithejane — have made blistering starts to their domestic campaigns, handing Mosimane a welcome selection headache.

The Bafana coach expressed delight at the depth at his disposal, noting that South African football must replicate the depth management of rugby’s four-time World Champion Springboks.

“In South Africa, we need to stack it, and sometimes, we need to learn from the Bokke,” Mosimane said. “They can play with anybody.

“If the U18s of the Bokke can go to the World Cup, and play against the B-team with the U18s, that’s serious stuff. What does it say about the Bokke to the world, and the talent stacked behind?

“It doesn’t matter who plays. We also need to have that culture in the country. That’s what I believe in.”

Mosimane has long championed youth development, having spent much of the past two years expanding the Pitso Mosimane Soccer School network across the country.

Citing his former Mamelodi Sundowns prodigy Cassius Mailula — who has overcome a difficult European stint to re-establish himself for club and country — Mosimane insists age will never be a barrier to selection.

“It’s not for me to justify why he’s here. He’s doing it week in and week out. The boy is playing well, scoring, and helping Sundowns at the highest level,” Mosimane added. “Talent needs to be stacked properly.

“I hope things go well. I want to make a revolution in South African football – not only for Bafana, but for youth football as well.”