South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane has defended his decision to include Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams in his latest squad.
Despite both players carrying injuries, the coach is willing to wait until the final moments before making changes for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
A Strategic Gamble
Mosimane named a 27-man squad for the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
He emphasized that the stature of the players justifies the risk of including them.
Both Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena played key roles in South Africa’s recent successes.
Their presence in the dressing room and on the field remains vital for the continuity of the national team.
Medical Perspective and Tactical Patience
Addressing fitness concerns, Mosimane revealed he is relying closely on the national team’s medical department.
He explained that a premature exclusion could backfire if the players recover sooner than expected.
The coach wants to avoid ruling players out too early, pointing out that hasty decisions can lead to regrets if they recover in time to feature for Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
“Those are key players who have been leading us… so they are very important players for us, and we will wait for the doctors to rule them out,” Mosimane said, as reported byGoal.
Chasing Continental Glory
The fitness of Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams is a major concern for both country and club.
Over recent seasons, the duo has formed the backbone of South African football.
Mosimane understands that replacing such influential figures is difficult.
He prefers to exhaust every possible timeline to ensure they can contribute against Kenya.
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