Mozambique aim to beat Bafana Bafana – Dove

Conde (in red) drills the Mambas: Mozambique Football Federation.

Mozambique’s senior national football team defender Edmilson Dove insists their objective remains to beat South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on June 10, despite it being a friendly.

The Kaizer Chiefs star told Mozambique Football Federation media that Mambas coach Chiquinho Conde has emphasized the importance of winning the match.

“We are here to represent the national team, regardless of the type of game. Of course, the mister [Conde] has always been saying that there is no [friendly] game. I hope Mozambique comes out victorious,” he said.

The coach for the Mambas has since echoed Dove, saying he wants his players to show commitment and play with character.

He added: “We always want to play to win.”

Ahead of the game scheduled for Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, Conde named a star-studded squad.

Those called-up include Jonathan Muiomo and seasoned midfielders Luís Miquissone and Manuel Kambala. The friendly coincides with the Mambas’ participation in the 2025 COSAFA Cup in South Africa.

Sensing a potential clash of events needing the same Mambas players, Conde called up more home-based players for the regional competition.

Mozambique share Group A with hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius at the COSAFA Cup, which runs from June 4 to 15 in Bloemfontein.

Who is in the Mambas’ squad?

Goalkeepers: Ernan and Ivan.

Defenders: Infren Matola, Domingos Macandza, Edson Sitoe, Edmilson Dove, Feliciano Jone, Fernando Chamboco, Francisco Muchanga and Bruno Langa.

Midfielders: Manuel Kambala, Amade Momade, Shaquille Nangy, Luis Miquissone and Dario Melo.

Forwards: Stanley Ratifo, Clesio Baúque, Jonathan Muiomo, Gildo Vilanculos, Dayo Antonio, Melque Alexandre and Elias Macamo.