Sebola warns Pitso's Sundowns-heavy Bafana squad risks burning out

Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola has opened up on Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane selecting a big number of players from Mamelodi Sundowns compared to Orlando Pirates.

Pirates appeared to have caught up with Sundowns in terms of the number of players each club contributed to the national team, particularly towards the end of former head coach Hugo Broos' tenure, leading up to and in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

READ | Mayoyo backs Pitso to build on Broos' Bafana foundation

However, the gap has opened up again after Mosimane included 13 players from The Brazilians and just six from The Buccaneers in his final 30-man squad that will play the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea and an international friendly against Egypt.

"I'm happy for Pitso to include most Sundowns players"

Sebola suggested that he does not see a problem in the former Sundowns coach selecting most players from the club he used to coach — but warned that the veteran coach will be under serious pressure if the results are not forthcoming.

"Remember that (Thalente) Mbatha is still injured but some of the Sundowns players Pitso worked with them and he knows their strengths and he knows that the national team is built around Sundowns and Pirates. I'm happy for Pitso to include most of the Sundowns players," Sebola told KickOff.

READ | Mosimane forthright in setting his precedence upon return

Fatigue concerns for the title race

'Local is Lekker' went on to weigh in on how the Bafana selection will affect the title race domestically, expressing concern for the physical toll on the Sundowns contingent.

"(However), Sundowns players are going to get tired and if you can check, they will be playing CAF, Intercontinental Cup, those guys I feel for them. Yes, they will be making money but I feel for their bodies," Sebola said.

"Mokoena, the man is still pushing himself but you can see he's tired. Let's hope the coach can sometimes rest him in some games. But I feel for Sundowns players, they are going to play a lot of games and will get tired. Pitso calling most players from Sundowns, it's going to be tough and he needs results," Sebola added.

Related tags

Andries Sebola Bafana Bafana Mamelodi Sundowns Pitso Mosimane South Africa