Pitso’s first-ever Bafana starting XI

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Pitso’s first-ever Bafana starting XI

Sep 10, 2026 – 02:30 pm
By Lukhanyo Mtuta

With Pitso Mosimane set to begin his second permanent stint as Bafana Bafana head coach this month, here’s a look back at his first starting line-up during his first tenure in 2010.

Although Mosimane had previously served as a caretaker coach back in 2006, it was only after the 2010 FIFA World Cup that he became the national team’s permanent coach. His stint began shortly after the conclusion of the global showpiece, replacing Brazilian mentor Carlos Alberto Parreira — and the man known as ‘Jingadays’ would waste no time in making his mark.

Mosimane’s debut match was against Ghana in August 2010 at FNB Stadium in an international friendly. His Bafana side got the result against a strong Black Stars team, claiming a 1-0 win over a Ghanaian side that had just made history by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time — a statement victory that set the tone for what was to come.

The starting XI was led up front by Katlego Mphela, who proved to be the match-winner with the only goal of the game against Ghana — a fitting way for Mosimane to begin his tenure, with one of the country’s most lethal finishers of that era on the scoresheet

His first XI was dominated by players who had just played at the World Cup, such as Itumeleng Khune in goal, Aaron Mokoena as captain, and Steven Pienaar dictating things in the middle of the park alongside Macbeth Sibaya.

Siphiwe Tshabalala, who had gone down in the history books at the global showpiece, also made Mosimane’s first starting line-up.

GK: Itumeleng KhuneRB: Anele NgcongcaCB: Morgan GouldCB: Aaron Mokoena (captain)LB: Tsepo MasilelaDM: Macbeth SibayaCM: Thanduyise KhuboniCAM: Steven PienaarRW: Siphiwe TshabalalaLW: Bernard ParkerCF: Katlego Mphela

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