Pitso Mosimane has wasted little time putting his stamp on Bafana Bafana, with 10 overseas-based players included in his preliminary squad for the upcoming international campaign.
The list reflects the growing presence of South African footballers competing outside the country and gives Mosimane a sizeable pool of international-based talent to work with as he prepares his team for the challenges ahead.
The preliminary squad includes players based across Europe and the United States, with representation from countries including Norway, Scotland, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Denmark, Cyprus and the USA.
Ten overseas-based players make the cut
The overseas contingent features a mixture of established internationals and exciting younger players.
Samukele Kabini — Molde
Kabini has continued his development in Norway with Molde and provides Mosimane with another option in defence. His experience playing outside South Africa could prove valuable as the coach looks to build a competitive squad.
Olwethu Makhanya — Rangers
Makhanya’s inclusion adds another overseas-based defensive option. The young centre-back has previously been identified as part of the next generation of South African defenders, making his progress abroad one to watch.
Ime Okon — Hannover 96
Germany-based defender Ime Okon is another name in the preliminary squad. His inclusion underlines Mosimane’s willingness to look beyond the domestic scene when assessing options for Bafana.
Sphephelo Sithole — Tondela
Sithole brings European experience from Portugal and has already been part of the Bafana setup. His physical presence and experience in midfield could make him an important option for Mosimane.
Lyle Foster — Houston Dynamo
Foster remains one of the most recognisable South African forwards playing abroad. His experience at international level gives Mosimane an established attacking option as he assesses his squad.
Puso Dithejane — Chicago Fire
Dithejane’s inclusion adds another USA-based player to the squad. His continued development in Major League Soccer gives him an opportunity to push for a more prominent role with the national team.
Relebohile Mofokeng — Union SG
Mofokeng is among the most exciting young South African talents in the overseas contingent. His move to Belgium has provided another platform for his development, while his creativity makes him an intriguing attacking option for Bafana.
Thapelo Maseko — FC Copenhagen
Maseko offers pace and attacking versatility. His European experience could give Mosimane another option when looking to add speed and directness to the Bafana attack.
Luther Singh — AEL Limassol
Singh returns to the conversation around Bafana after continuing his career in Cyprus. His experience with the national team could be useful as Mosimane evaluates his attacking options.
Shandre Campbell — KV Kortrijk
Campbell completes the 10-man overseas contingent. The Belgium-based attacker is another young player looking to establish himself at international level and could benefit from Mosimane’s emphasis on developing a competitive squad.
A changing Bafana landscape
The presence of 10 overseas-based players is significant because it demonstrates the increasing number of South Africans developing their careers outside the domestic league.
Previous Bafana squads have also included a mixture of local and overseas-based players, with recent selections featuring players from Europe and the United States.
For Mosimane, the challenge will now be deciding which players make the final squad and how best to combine overseas experience with the strongest performers from the Premier Soccer League.
The preliminary list is also not the final selection, meaning competition for places is likely to intensify before the squad is trimmed.
Mosimane faces important selection decisions
With 10 overseas-based players already in the preliminary group, several positions could become particularly competitive.
The coach must assess form, fitness, tactical suitability and international experience before settling on his final squad.
For the players based abroad, the preliminary call-up represents an opportunity to demonstrate that competing overseas can translate into a meaningful role for Bafana Bafana.
For South African supporters, meanwhile, the biggest question is simple:
Which of these 10 overseas-based players will make the final squad and become key figures under Pitso Mosimane?
The battle for places has already begun.
