Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has warned his players not to underestimate Kenya ahead of their two-match clash in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, insisting that the encounters will present a significant challenge.
Bafana Bafana are set to face the Harambee Stars in their first meeting at the Amstel Orlando Arena on Friday night, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture next Tuesday.
Despite sitting at the top of Group D with six points from their opening two matches, Mosimane has urged his team to maintain its winning momentum and secure maximum points from the upcoming fixtures.
Speaking to the media at the Amstel Orlando Arena, the Bafana coach described Kenya as a potentially difficult opponent, particularly because the East African nation has already secured qualification for the tournament as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
“The Kenya game is a tricky one because you’re playing against a team that has nothing to lose, already qualified.
“When you play against a team that has nothing to lose, it doesn’t matter what score the results are. So that creates a little bit of lack of fairness for them, a full-out play, or frustrating us not to be able to get a goal,” said Mosimane.
Kenya’s qualification as one of the three co-hosts means the Harambee Stars can approach the encounters without the pressure of fighting for a place in the tournament.
Mosimane, however, wants Bafana Bafana to preserve their perfect record since his appointment as head coach. The team has made a positive start to its Group D campaign, defeating Guinea and Eritrea to collect six points and establish a three-point lead at the top of the standings.
The coach stressed that maintaining consistency would be crucial as the team seeks to build momentum.
“You’re as good as your last game. You know that. So, we need to keep the momentum going in terms of the results,” remarked Mosimane.
Mosimane Praises Kenya Coach Benny McCarthy
Mosimane also praised his Kenyan counterpart, Benny McCarthy, describing the former Bafana Bafana striker as an outstanding footballer who has made a significant contribution to South African football.
He highlighted McCarthy’s achievements as a player and his coaching experience, including his previous involvement with English Premier League giants Manchester United.
McCarthy, who celebrated his 49th birthday on Thursday, will be hoping for a positive result against Bafana Bafana as he looks to build confidence within his Kenyan squad ahead of next year’s AFCON tournament.
The Harambee Stars coach believes his players have what it takes to challenge the hosts and has challenged Bafana Bafana to work hard for a result.
“Let Bafana Bafana sweat a little bit, let them sweat because we lost against Guinea and we drew with Eritrea.
“So, it looks like a walk in the park, but I think the performance, the attitude and mentality of the players will show on Friday, and we can build for AFCON next year,” said McCarthy.
The two nations will meet again next Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya, in what promises to be another important encounter as both teams continue their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
