It is master versus former marksman under the the Orlando Amstel Arena lights in Soweto on Friday night ,when Pitso Mosimane’s high-flying Bafana Bafana lock horns with a Kenyan side coached by South African football royalty, Benni McCarthy.
Bafana Bafana sit at the top of Group D after securing two wins from their opening two matches.
And although Kenya are automatic qualifiers as co-hosts of the tournament, Mosimane says Kenya and McCarthy are not coming to South Africa just to go through the motions.
Mosimane’s second tenure as Bafana coach started with three successive wins ,but the pressure mounts. This time, he goes toe-to-toe with countryman, Bennie McCarthy, a man with a never-say-die attitude and a lot to prove.
According to Mosimane, Kenya’s position at the bottom of the group and their lack of wins is what will make the Harambe Stars dangerous.
“Bennie was coaching Manchester United, the dream that any coach in South Africa wishes to have. He was coaching Ronaldo, so you have to respect the level at which he has coached and played. None of us on the entire continent have won the Champions League gold medal. You have to understand the facts I am giving you about the kind of person we are talking about, in terms of the fighting spirit in football. They fight to win at all costs.”
He also admits that Kenya has good quality players playing abroad, and that Friday’s qualifier will be a proper, but welcome test.
“They have players from England, Spain, Wales, Sweden and France. So, be careful not to undermine the teams. As we have learnt from Cape Verde at the World Cup, you must respect all your opponents. The game is played on the pitch, and it is only when the referee blows the final whistle that you can say you have won.”
Bafana back at work ahead of crunch AFCON clashes against Kenya
#BafanaPride
@StandardBankZA @adidasZA @adidasfootball @SABC_Sport @CastleLagerSA @HonorAfrica @REXONA_SA @flysaa @SouthernSunGrp @NUTRITECHFIT
@socioshttps://t.co/0AkbfFEHOM
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 9, 2026
The second leg of their tie will be played in Nairobi next Tuesday.
Double header, double the passion!
Back our national teams as they step onto home turf this November:
Bring the noise, wear your green and gold, and stand behind the boys!
#BafanaPride
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 9, 2026
Double header, double the passion! 
Friday, 13 November 2026
Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto
Secure your seats now at https://t.co/xFkQ8Cdebo-Reporting by Mahudi Molapo