Benni McCarthy Says Bafana Bafana Could Have Done Better at 2026 World Cup Under Pitso Mosimane

South African football legend Benni McCarthy believes Bafana Bafana might have achieved a better result at the 2026 FIFA World Cup had Pitso Mosimane been in charge of the national team.

McCarthy made the observation while praising the changes he has noticed in the squad since Mosimane took over from Hugo Broos in September 2026.

South Africa reached the Round of 32 at the tournament, but McCarthy suggested that the players might have performed better under a coach who understands the country’s football culture and what representing the national team means to them.

Also Read: Benni McCarthy Reveals He Is Still Owed Salaries By Kenya Ahead Of Bafana Bafana Clash

McCarthy Believes Mosimane Has Brought Freedom to Bafana

Speaking ahead of Friday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier between South Africa and Kenya, McCarthy pointed to the apparent difference in the players’ attitude under Mosimane.

He said the squad now appears to be playing with greater confidence and enjoying their time together, crediting the coach’s familiarity with the local football environment.

“Local is lekker, you can see the players play with freedom. There is a lot of excitement and joy in the camp, and they have a coach who understands them now,” McCarthy said according to FarPost.

He believes that connection between Mosimane and the players could have made a difference at the World Cup.

“A coach that understands the culture and what it means to bleed South African. And it’s amazing to see, and if only we had this at the World Cup, I think South Africa would have done a little better than they did,” he added.

McCarthy Compares Mosimane’s Approach With Broos’ Tenure

While acknowledging Broos’ work with the national team, McCarthy said he had noticed that several players appeared tense and nervous when representing Bafana Bafana under the former coach.

He was careful to clarify that his comments were not intended to undermine Broos, but rather to highlight the change he believes Mosimane has brought to the squad.

“I’m not criticising or saying anything bad about what the previous coach has done, but I just feel that when you watch Bafana now compared to then, there are so many players who were tense when they put on that Bafana jersey, with a bit of nervousness,” he said.

McCarthy added that seeing the players express themselves more freely has been encouraging and expressed hope that the team would enjoy continued success under Mosimane.