Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane is eager to get the ball rolling to take the national team to the 2012 African Cup of Nations and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Briefing reporters on Thursday, the newly-appointed coach said his four-year vision was to prepare and build a strong, competitive and respectable team for the country in preparation for 2012 and 2014.
He said his short term goal was to take Bafana to the 2012 African Cup of Nations that will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. "I am not scared. We should be there and I believe that if we can keep our World Cup momentum on the field like we played against Mexico and France, we will win this tournament."
Mosimane outlined some of the steps for achieving his 2014 vision such as scouting and monitoring of local and international players. He cited Siphiwe Tshabalala who was called to the national team while still playing in the First Division. "We need to look into avenues like that for special players in the lower leagues," he said.
He recommended that strictly under 23 players should be utilised for Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) games to gain international experience. He further believes that PSL teams should utilise a maximum of three foreign players and at least two under 23 players to be in the stating-line-up of all matches in South Africa.
The coach said the interaction with PSL coaches to discuss CAF/FIFA dates and player availability for the national team was also important in achieving the team's vision. He applauded the PSL for accommodating Bafana Bafana's programme in their League's calendar, adding that he would continue engaging the PSL and other football stakeholders.
He said interaction with the coaches, both local and international about the plan, was important. "National and professional coaches must become central in the national discourse on technical matters at appropriate forums like the envisaged Technical Symposium. We need to walk the talk as coaches," he said.
The coach said input and expertise from Africa's great footballers such as Jomo Sono and Kalusha Byalwa, who served in the FIFA technical study during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, were important if the 2014 vision was to be realised.
"I will consult extensively, but spearhead my clear vision from a technical point of view. I will rely on the leadership of SAFA to support me administratively and I will also count on the support of all South Africans as we embark on this project of national and international importance," he said.
SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani, said Mosimane will get all the support from the association.
"We will give you all the support you need as we are committed to make a difference in the football fraternity in this country," he said.
Mosimane's first test will be on 11 August, when the national team takes on the Black Stars of Ghana in a friendly at Soccer City.
Kick-off is 20:35 and match tickets will go on sale on Friday at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers stores. Tickets cost R50 all round.
