Pitso Mosimane has explained why veteran midfielder Themba Zwane remains part of his Bafana Bafana plans, insisting the 37-year-old still offers experience and leadership even if he is no longer expected to command a starting position.
Zwane has been included in Mosimane’s 30-man squad for South Africa’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by an international friendly against Egypt. The veteran is among the experienced players retained as Mosimane begins his latest spell in charge of the national team.
Mosimane Explains Why Zwane Still Matters
Questions surrounding Zwane’s inclusion have focused largely on his age and physical condition, but Mosimane believes his value extends beyond what he can produce during a full 90 minutes.
The coach highlighted experience and leadership as two major reasons for keeping the Mamelodi Sundowns star involved.
“Experience, leadership,” Mosimane said when explaining his thinking.
He also wants Zwane to help guide younger members of the national team and teach them about the demands and expectations that come with representing South Africa.
Zwane Could Help Guide Bafana’s Younger Players
Mosimane specifically pointed to the importance of experienced internationals sharing their knowledge with emerging players such as Puso Dithejane.
“Let him tell Puso what it is like to play for Bafana. What is expected to stay at the highest level, and patience also,” the coach explained.
Dithejane is among the new faces in the squad, with CAF confirming that he, Lebone Seema, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Yanela Mbuthuma and Tashreeq Matthews received maiden call-ups for the opening AFCON qualifying campaign.
For Mosimane, keeping a player of Zwane’s experience around the group provides younger internationals with someone who understands both the pressures and expectations associated with playing for Bafana Bafana.
Mosimane Admits Zwane Is Not Ready to Start Ahead of Appollis
While defending Zwane’s selection, Mosimane was equally candid about the midfielder’s current physical condition.
He acknowledged that Zwane is not presently in the shape required to start ahead of Orlando Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis.
“He’s not in a very good physical condition to be playing ahead of Appollis, let’s be honest,” Mosimane said.
Appollis is also included among the attacking options in the 30-player squad.
Final 10 to 15 Minutes Could Be Zwane’s New Role
Instead of relying on Zwane as a guaranteed starter, Mosimane appears to envisage a more specialised role for the veteran.
The Bafana coach believes Zwane could become particularly useful during the closing stages of matches when his composure, experience and ability to combine with teammates could influence games.
Mosimane specifically highlighted the final 10 to 15 minutes as a period when Zwane could make an impact.
According to the coach, the midfielder still possesses an “aura” and an ability to bring attacking moves together.
That approach could allow Bafana to benefit from Zwane’s technical qualities without demanding that the 37-year-old maintain the physical intensity required over an entire match.
Zwane’s World Cup Was Disrupted by Red Card
Zwane travelled with South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was unable to play the significant role that might otherwise have been expected of such an experienced international.
His tournament was disrupted when he was shown a straight red card shortly after entering the opening match against Mexico on June 11.
The incident meant his involvement at the tournament was extremely limited.
With the World Cup completed and a new AFCON qualification cycle beginning, there had been questions over whether the veteran had already made his final appearance for the national team.
Mosimane’s selection has provided a clear answer for now.
Zwane Included in Bafana Leadership Group
Zwane’s contribution will not be restricted to what happens with the ball.
Mosimane is also planning to use him as part of Bafana Bafana’s leadership structure.
The coach has indicated that he does not intend to depend on a single captain and instead wants several players capable of assuming leadership responsibilities.
Zwane and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine have been identified among the players who could wear the armband, while Ronwen Williams remains part of the senior leadership structure.
Mosimane believes developing multiple leaders will also prepare Bafana for the future rather than leaving the national team dependent on one established captain.
Bafana Begin AFCON Qualifying Campaign Against Guinea
Attention will now turn to competitive action as South Africa begin their attempt to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bafana Bafana will host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday, September 26, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
CAF has confirmed the fixture as the beginning of South Africa’s new qualifying campaign under Mosimane.
Eritrea Clash Follows Four Days Later
South Africa will then travel to Egypt, where they are scheduled to face Eritrea at a neutral venue on Wednesday, September 30.
The match represents Bafana’s second AFCON qualifier of the international window.
Mosimane has selected a relatively large 30-player group for the fixtures, blending experienced internationals with players receiving opportunities to establish themselves at senior international level.
Egypt Friendly Completes Busy International Window
Bafana will remain in Egypt after facing Eritrea and conclude the international period with a friendly against the Pharaohs on October 4.
The match will provide Mosimane with another opportunity to evaluate his squad and potentially give minutes to players who feature less prominently during the two competitive qualifiers.
For Zwane, the three-match window could demonstrate exactly how Mosimane intends to manage the latter stages of his international career.
The Bafana coach has openly acknowledged that the veteran may no longer possess the physical condition to command a starting place ahead of younger alternatives, but his selection makes clear that Mosimane still sees considerable value in Zwane’s experience, technical ability and influence on the next generation.
