Mosimane unfazed by McCarthy’s inside knowledge of Bafana
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says Kenya boss Benni McCarthy's familiarity with his players gives him no real advantage in their AFCON qualifiers.
Pitso Mosimane does not believe Benni McCarthy’s inside knowledge of Bafana Bafana will hand Kenya an edge when the two sides meet in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, according to iDiski Times.
McCarthy now coaches Kenya, and Mosimane has worked with him before. The Bafana coach previously had the former striker, described in the report as the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, in his squad. That history has led to talk that McCarthy knows how South Africa operate.
Why Mosimane is not worried
Mosimane played down that idea after announcing his squad for the fixtures. He argued that most teams are already well studied, pointing to big clubs such as Barcelona, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, and noted that sides employ several analysts. “Everybody knows how you play,” he said.
In his view, knowing a coach or a team does not translate into a clear advantage. He said it only provides “a little bit of data” and a sense of patterns and what is most likely to happen. He also raised the possibility that an opponent may have changed their plan.
He used a local example to make the point. Everyone knows how Orlando Pirates play, he said, until you get to Orlando Stadium and have to face them. “So, it’s the way it is in football,” was his conclusion.
The situation in Group D
South Africa lead Qualifying Group D. They host Kenya’s Harambee Stars at Orlando next week, and the return leg follows on 17 November in Kenya.
Kenya have already booked their place at the finals because they are among the co-hosts of the PAMOJA tournament. South Africa still have work to do, and they are aiming for a third appearance in a row at AFCON after qualifying for the 2023 and 2025 editions.
What it means for supporters
Supporters have two dates to note. The first leg is in Orlando next week, and the second is on 17 November in Kenya. Bafana lead the group, so these two games are a chance to move closer to a third consecutive finals appearance. Kenya’s place is already secure, but McCarthy will still want to get the better of the team he once played for and his former coach.
This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.
