Why Play Him? Pirates Legend Benedict Vilakazi Slams Pitso Mosimane Over Teboho Mokoena Gamble

BENEDICT VILAKAZI FIRES WARNING OVER TEBOHO MOKOENA AFTER BAFANA’S DISAPPOINTING DRAW AGAINST KENYA

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Former Orlando Pirates midfielder and iDiski TV analyst Benedict Vilakazi has questioned coach Pitso Mosimane’s decision to continue using Teboho Mokoena during Bafana Bafana’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Kenya on Friday night.

South Africa were held to a frustrating draw in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with the result raising questions about certain tactical decisions and the management of key players.

One of the biggest talking points after the match was the involvement of Mokoena, who Vilakazi believes should have been given an opportunity to rest, particularly because he was reportedly not fully fit.

Speaking on iDiski TV, Vilakazi made it clear that his criticism was not directed at the midfielder’s quality or importance to the national team. Instead, he was concerned about the possibility of aggravating an existing fitness problem by giving him unnecessary minutes.

“I love Tebza, I love Tebza with all my heart,” Vilakazi said.

However, the former midfielder questioned why Mosimane did not introduce Thalente in the second half, arguing that the alternative could have offered South Africa additional creativity and attacking options.

Vilakazi believes Thalente possesses the ability to move forward, take shots at goal and contribute creatively, qualities that could have helped Bafana Bafana during the match.

He was particularly concerned that Mokoena continued playing despite not being at 100 per cent fitness.

According to Vilakazi, the technical team needed to consider the bigger picture rather than relying heavily on an important player when another international fixture was approaching.

“Sometimes, as much as we need him, tomorrow is still a day. We’ve got another game on Tuesday,” he explained.

His argument was that resting Mokoena against Kenya at home could have allowed the midfielder to recover properly before the next assignment away from home.

Vilakazi believes that managing players’ fitness is just as important as selecting the strongest possible starting team, especially during a demanding international schedule.

The criticism also places attention on Mosimane’s squad management as Bafana Bafana prepare for their next assignment.

For South Africa, the immediate priority will be improving their performance and securing a positive result in the upcoming encounter.

While Mokoena remains an influential figure in the national team, Vilakazi’s comments have raised an important question: should Bafana Bafana prioritise immediate results or protect key players for the challenges ahead?

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2121665369903357984

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