“We have no Lionel Messi!” Bafana Bafana coach surprises with bold statement

Pitso Mosimane has sent a clear warning to South Africa's stars: reputation alone will not secure anyone a place in Bafana Bafana.

Details: Speaking to reporters during the national team's November training camp, the head coach explained that he does not select players based on their names or previous achievements. According to FarPost, Mosimane insists that every footballer must demonstrate consistent performances at club level to deserve a national team call-up.

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The coach made his position particularly clear with an unexpected comparison involving Lionel Messi. Mosimane admitted that South Africa do not currently have a player whose influence is so enormous that the entire team must be built around him.

“We are not yet in a position where we have a Lionel Messi as the boss of the team,” Mosimane stated, emphasizing that even established internationals must earn their places through performances rather than reputation.

He also addressed the returns of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha and Lyle Foster, who missed the previous international camp. According to Mosimane, returning players must respect those who performed well in their absence instead of expecting automatic selection.

The 62-year-old tactician additionally mentioned Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham as examples of influential footballers who prove their importance through performances on the pitch.

It's worth noting that South Africa will face Kenya in two 2027 AFCON qualifiers on November 13 and 17. Bafana Bafana have already collected six points from their opening two matches, defeating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0.

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