McCarthy says Bafana might have fared better at World Cup under Mosimane
Kenya coach Benni McCarthy says Bafana Bafana play with more freedom under Pitso Mosimane and might have done better at the World Cup with a local coach.
Benni McCarthy, the head coach of Kenya, has suggested that South Africa’s national team might have had a better World Cup in 2026 if a local coach such as Pitso Mosimane had been in charge. iDiski Times reported his comments in the build-up to Friday’s AFCON qualifier between the two countries.
A squad playing without fear
McCarthy spoke before the match at Orlando Amstel Arena. He said the current Bafana Bafana group looks far more relaxed than the one he watched before. In his words, “Local is lekker”, and he said the players now show freedom on the field.
He described a happy mood around the team. “There’s a lot of excitement, there’s joy within the camp,” McCarthy said. He added that Mosimane understands the players and the local football culture, and he said he wished South Africa had had that connection at the World Cup.
McCarthy believes the national side would probably have done a little better at the tournament with that kind of leadership. He did not give specifics on how, and he did not say what changes he would have made.
No criticism of Broos, he says
McCarthy was careful to say he was not attacking Hugo Broos, whom he described as a former mentor. He said he was not speaking badly of the work the previous coach did. His view was that many players had looked tense and nervous when they pulled on the national jersey, whereas the current group seems to play with much less pressure.
He also spoke warmly as a South African about the national team’s direction. He wished Bafana lasting success under Mosimane and said it was great to see what the players are doing for the country.
What it means for fans
The qualifier takes place on Friday 13 November, so supporters who want to watch should check broadcaster listings for the kick-off time and channel. It is also an unusual occasion, because McCarthy, a South African, is on the opposing bench. The match will show whether the freedom he praised carries through against his Kenyan side.
This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.
