Khumalo bemoans Bafana Bafana's losing COSAFA Cup start

Photo: South African Football Association

Coach Vela Khumalo bemoaned his Bafana Bafana second-string side’s 0-1 loss to Mozambique on Wednesday, saying it was not the best way to start the 2025 COSAFA Cup.

Khumalo, who also serves as Kaizer Chiefs' reserve team handler, said this after Antonio Sumbane’s goal earned the Mambas the Group A opening win over the hosts South Africa, at the Toyota Stadium in Mangaung, Bloemfontein. 

“This is not the best way to start a tournament. Performance-wise, one would say we played well the way we wanted, but we couldn’t convert the chances,” he said. “We had so many entries into the box, but we were rushing things. I told the guys that the only time they [Mozambique] would score a goal was when they would be in transition, and they did exactly that.”

Khumalo then explained what Bafana Bafana needed to do to overcome Mozambique and stand a chance of progressing to the last-four stage.

“We only needed to concentrate more tactically, be disciplined, and convert the chances. Performance-wise, it is looking good. We will get better and better. Never mind the result of today,” he said.

South Africa have an opportunity to bounce back when they face Zimbabwe on June 7 and wind up against Mauritius three days later. The winner of the group will advance to the semifinals.

Day two of the competition on Thursday, June 5 sees Malawi meeting Lesotho in Group B at 15h00 CAT / 13h00 GMT). This will be followed by Angola’s clash against Namibia at 18h00 CAT / 16h00 GMT.

On Friday, seven-time champions Zambia welcome Comoros in the first game for the three-team Group D.