The new phase under Pitso Mosimane has given the 'Bafana Bafana' players a chance to start fresh and ensure continuity, demanding that every player earn their place in the squad.
Central defender Tabo Mlolosane is one of the players striving to return to the national team after a period marred by injuries at 'Stellenbosch', before moving to 'Kaizer Chiefs' this season.
Mlolosane's return to 'Bafana Bafana' promises to be challenging. Mosimane began his tenure with a solid defensive line, conceding only one goal when his team defeated Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 in AFCON qualifiers, followed by a 1-0 victory over Egypt in a friendly match.
Mosimane utilized all three games to give players a chance, fielding Olweto Mahanyu and Imey Okona in central positions during the qualifiers, as well as giving opportunities to Hulomani Ndamane and the duo from 'Orlando Pirates', Lebone Sime and Nkosinati Sibisi against Egypt.
Since Mosimane was satisfied with his defenders, he will likely retain them for the upcoming qualifying matches against Kenya, which must be won next month. Mlolosane realizes that this might limit his chances of making the squad, but he is not concerned about it.
Mlolosane shared a conversation with a teammate who previously also played for 'Bafana', saying: 'I think we should give credit to the guys.' He added: 'Last week I spoke with Mduduzi (Shabalala), saying: 'the path back to 'Bafana' is long.' But at the same time, I am in a big institution that everyone watches. I just need to keep working hard. The road is still long. I am a player born in South Africa. I have been in the 'Bafana' squad before, and I know what it takes to be there.'
Mlolosane first reached the international level under Hugo Bruus during his brilliant five-year reign. However, he could not secure a permanent starting spot due to form issues and injuries.
Nevertheless, given his strong start at 'Chiefs'—helping the team maintain a unbeaten run in the league—he remains confident in a possible return to the national team.
Mlolosane stated: 'I had a difficult situation last season, but I am confident that I am on the path to returning to my best form. You can write down my words on that.'
'Chiefs' will host FNB Stellenbosch, Mlolosane's former club, on Tuesday evening (at 7:30 PM). He knows that it is in these matches that he must show solid play and attract the attention of the national team scouts—especially Mosimane—if he wants to achieve his return to 'Bafana'.