Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has left Themba Zwane, 37, out of his squad for the double header against Kenya and stands by his choice to unleash Lyle Foster, according to africasoccer.com.
The 27-man squad unveiled on Thursday by Pitso Mosimane to face Kenya, co-host of AFCON 2027, contains one notable absentee: Themba Zwane, the 37-year-old attacking midfielder.
According to africasoccer.com, the decision is one of the most notable points of the announcement. The head coach called it an emotional moment and frames it as a choice geared towards attack and towards Lyle Foster, ahead of a home match.
A call to explain the decision
Mosimane personally contacted Zwane to explain his decision. “Yes, I called him to explain. He took it very well because he’s a consummate professional,” said the head coach.
The South African coach acknowledged the difficulty in the attacking department: “It was a bit difficult for the forward line. It was an emotional one because I had to drop ‘Mshishi’. He’s also my coach, by the way.” Zwane does indeed assist Mosimane with analysing young players, again according to africasoccer.com.
Two months ago, on his return to the Bafana Bafana helm, Mosimane had heaped praise on the attacking midfielder.
Zwane’s message about Foster
Rather than dwelling on his own fate, Zwane reportedly steered the conversation towards striker Lyle Foster. According to the words relayed by the head coach, he said: “Coach, relax. Let’s give Lyle a chance. We are playing at home. He’s deadly inside the box, and he can score for us.” These are words reported by Mosimane, not a direct statement from the player.
The first match of the double header is scheduled for Friday 13 November at Orlando Stadium. Zwane’s argument, invoking the penalty area and home advantage, points in that direction.
Mosimane does, however, suggest that other players are now ahead of Zwane in the pecking order. The head coach leaves the door open: the 37-year-old midfielder remains available for the national team if he keeps playing at the required level.
A return to Nairobi in prospect
After Orlando Stadium, the Bafana Bafana will travel to Nairobi for the return match, set for 17 November, four days after the first leg. Both matches count towards qualifying for AFCON 2027, a tournament Kenya co-hosts.
In this tight schedule, Mosimane has selected 27 players, with Foster the striker called upon to play at home.
For Zwane, the end of his international career appears close, according to the elements reported by africasoccer.com, but the door remains ajar if he maintains the required level.