South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane says maintaining their position at the top of Group C is the main objective as Bafana Bafana prepare for a two-legged 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battle against Kenya.
Bafana host Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture next Tuesday.
Also Read: Origi takes new step at Harvard as he embraces Kenyan roots
South Africa currently lead Group C with six points from their opening two matches, and Mosimane wants his side to protect that advantage as the qualifiers progress.
Speaking ahead of the Kenya double-header, the coach stressed that their biggest priority is to remain top of the group by the time the campaign reaches its final matchday.
“I think the most important points is that in Matchday 6, you must remain where you are now [top],” Mosimane said. “The rest don’t count that much, what’s important is to stay there. We have an opportunity because we are there now.
“So, it’s in our hands to make sure that we stay there, but the road to travel to Matchday 6 is a long, long way.”
Also Read: McCarthy to sing South Africa anthem before Kenya clash
Mosimane, however, warned against underestimating Kenya, pointing to their narrow defeat against Guinea as evidence of the challenge McCarthy’s side can pose.
“There’s going to be Guinea that we have to play away, there’s back-to-back of Kenya. So you need to be very careful because Kenya lost [only] 1-0 to full strength Guinea in Guinea,” he added.
The two encounters could prove significant in shaping Group C, with Harambee Stars looking to upset the group leaders in McCarthy’s return to his home nation.
Also Read: Two Bafana Bafana defenders Harambee Stars should target
