Mosimane vs McCarthy: What Bafana Bafana vs Kenya means
· The South African
In four days, Bafana Bafana continue their AFCON 2027 qualifying journey.
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South Africa host Kenya on 13 November, followed by the return leg next week.
Coaches Pitso Mosimane and Benni McCarthy are set for a crucial tactical battle.
AFCON qualifiers: Where Bafana Bafana stands
South Africa are leading Group D with full points from two games played so far, according to CAF.
Guinea are second with one win, followed by Kenya and Eritrea, respectively.
However, the Harambee Stars have already secured a place in the main tournament as the co-hosts.
This means Guinea, Eritrea, and South Africa are fighting for the one remaining spot.
Bafana Bafana could all but secure that place with wins against Kenya this month.
They face the Harambee Stars on 13 November at the Orlando Stadium, kicking off at 18:00.
The return leg is on 17 November, and SAFA still lists the fixture details as “to be confirmed”.
The qualifiers wrap up in March next year with the final round of fixtures.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his squad for this month’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya. SA will host the Kenyans at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg on Friday, 13 November 2026 before traveling to Nairobi for the second… pic.twitter.com/b0TeY4sx9H
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 5, 2026
Mosimane chasing redemption, McCarthy in danger
The two coaches find themselves in starkly different positions so far.
Mosimane took over as Bafana Bafana coach in September, as confirmed by SAFA.
He replaced Hugo Broos, who had led South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Mosimane has hit the ground running in his second stint as national coach.
In the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, Bafana Bafana defeated Guinea 2-1, then hammered Eritrea 5-0.
South Africa also got the better of Egypt in their friendly in Cairo in October.
Meanwhile, McCarthy could find himself out of a job if things go south against Bafana Bafana.
He took over from caretaker coach Francis Kimanzi in 2025 and is still facing criticism.
McCarthy’s record as Kenya’s national coach is eight wins, five draws, and eight losses, according to Transfermarkt.
This includes a draw against Eritrea and a loss to Guinea in the AFCON qualifiers.
Despite Kenya’s confirmed place at AFCON 2027, pressure is mounting for the South African tactician to see the Harambee Stars on a winning path.
MOSIMANE DOWNPLAYS EDGE FOR EITHER COACH
Some believe the Mosimane vs McCarthy battle comes down to familiarity.
However, the Bafana Bafana coach does not believe their past gives either the edge.
They had a player-coach relationship during Mosimane’s first stint as Bafana Bafana handler.
They have also faced each other as opposition coaches in the Premier Soccer League.
Mosimane does not believe these interactions are a genuine factor, according to Africa Soccer:
“It doesn’t mean that when I know an opponent, I have an advantage. No, it just gives me a little bit of data, and I understand certain patterns and what is most likely to happen.”
WHO WILL REIGN SUPREME IN THE MOSIMANE VS MCCARTHY TACTICAL BATTLE?
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