Determined Bafana Bafana vow to bounce back after COSAFA Cup defeat

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Vuyo Letlapa of South Africa challenged by Antonio Sumbane of Mozambique during the 2025 HollywoodBets COSAFA Cup match at the Free State Stadium on Wednesday. | BackpagePix
'This is not the best way to start the tournament," said Khumalo. "Performance-wise, I thought we played well. We played the way we wanted to play. One will then say what needs to be improved on, going back to the training sessions and how we convert our chances.'
Bafana Bafana coach Vela Khumalo could not contain his disappointment following the defeat on the opening day of the regional tournament.
The South Africans were left to grapple with their initial disappointment, and their coach, Vela Khumalo, voiced his discontent with the outcome.
Mozambique midfielder Antonio Sumbane capitalised on a defensive error in the 73rd minute and scored the goal that ultimately cost the home side the match.
The aspirations of Bafana Bafana for the 2025 COSAFA Cup suffered a setback following defeat in their tournament opener, losing 1-0 to Mozambique at the Free State Stadium on Wednesday.
The South African side showed promise, particularly in the first half, where they made numerous entries into the striking zone but failed to capitalise on potential scoring opportunities.
'We were rushing things when we got into the box,' Khumalo added, hinting at a sense of urgency that may have undermined their composure.Ahead of the second half, Khumalo and the technical coaching staff made it clear to the players that they needed to refine their approach.
'We spoke to the players about this and made the team aware of it. We even made the team aware that the only way Mozambique could score was if they got us on transition, which is exactly what they did,' he explained, alluding to the tactics that resulted in the lone goal by Mozambique.
For Khumalo, the crux of the matter lies in maintaining tactical discipline and capitalising on opportunities.
'You know, when you are a possession-based team, you get carried away with the moment. We need to concentrate more, tactically be disciplined and convert our chances," he said.
The coach pointed out that South Africa had created enough chances to secure a victory, yet were unable to find the back of the net. It is an issue that underscored a troubling pattern he had previously encountered.
'This sounds like déjà vu because when I was with the SA Under-17s, we suffered the same thing of not scoring goals.'
Despite the loss, Khumalo remains hopeful.
'Performance-wise, we will go far, never mind this setback. When we go back to what we wanted to achieve in the tournament, it was not to concede a goal, but unfortunately, we did. We must go back and work on our finishing,' he reflected.
Khumalo also touched on the use of the Video Assistant Referee, suggesting its merits while criticising the prolonged decision-making that can disrupt the flow of the game.
'VAR is a good thing because it is where the world is going. But I think the officials are taking too long to make decisions, and that kills the momentum of the game,' he noted, highlighting an area that players and fans alike may wish to see improved.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was used from game one for the first time in this competition, and the first time on the African continent for a regional competition.
As South Africa regroups, they have a sense of urgency and hope. The lessons learned from this loss could prove vital in reclaiming their momentum in the fiercely contested COSAFA Cup.