Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has admitted that leaving Themba Zwane out of his final squad for the upcoming double-header against Kenya was an emotional decision, revealing that the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder is someone he relies on for advice within the national team.

Mosimane recently announced his final 27-man squad for the two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars. Zwane was among the notable players who failed to make the final selection after initially being included in the coach's preliminary squad.

The experienced midfielder featured in the previous Bafana Bafana camp and was also part of the team that started the current qualifying campaign with victories over Guinea and Eritrea.

However, Mosimane has now explained why leaving the 35-year-old out was particularly difficult, considering the relationship they have developed while working together in the national team setup.

Speaking to SABC Sport, the Bafana coach described the decision as emotional and admitted that Zwane offers more than just his contribution on the pitch.

"Emotional, it was not an easy one, I had to drop Mshishi," Mosimane said.

The coach also revealed that Zwane has played an important role in helping him understand the strengths of different players in the squad.

"He's also my coach by the way Mshishi, he helps me with these boys to say coach, this one's strength is this," he explained.

Mosimane's comments show the level of trust he has placed in the Sundowns midfielder, who has become an experienced figure in South African football.

The coach also questioned whether age should automatically mean that a player is no longer capable of contributing at the highest level. He used the situation to highlight the importance of giving other players opportunities while recognising the value of experienced footballers.

"We mustn't forget who scored for us to qualify for the AFCON. This thing is not just about the talent, it's emotional and I had to phone Mshishi," he added.

Mosimane further confirmed that he personally contacted Zwane to explain the decision rather than allowing the midfielder to find out without hearing directly from him.

According to the coach, Zwane handled the news professionally and accepted that another player would be given an opportunity.

Mosimane also revealed that Zwane supported the decision to give Lyle Foster an opportunity, highlighting the striker's strength inside the penalty area and his ability to score goals for Bafana.

The omission means South Africa will head into the two matches against Kenya without one of their most experienced midfielders.

Bafana currently have six points after winning their opening two qualifying matches and will be hoping to maintain their position at the top of Group D.

Their first meeting with Kenya is scheduled for 13 November at Orlando Amstel Arena, before the teams meet again away from home four days later.

Source: IDiskiTimes