Pitso Mosimane has explained his decision to include Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma in his 30-man Bafana Bafana squad despite questions surrounding the forward’s selection.
Mosimane named his final squad for South Africa’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, along with an international friendly against Egypt.
The coach, who took over the Bafana Bafana job last month after replacing Hugo Broos, has already emphasised the importance of collecting maximum points in the AFCON qualification campaign.
Mosimane explains difficult squad selection
The Bafana coach admitted that reducing his preliminary squad from 35 players to 30 was a difficult process.
Mosimane said selecting the final group required careful monitoring of players and an understanding that not every South African-based player could be included.
With South Africa set to host Guinea before travelling to Cairo for the Eritrea qualifier, the coach stressed the importance of making home advantage count.
“We need to win all our home games,” Mosimane said.
Why Mbuthuma remains in the squad
Mbuthuma’s inclusion has generated discussion among Orlando Pirates supporters, with some fans having criticised the striker’s performances during the season.
When a journalist referred to Mbuthuma as a “public enemy” among Pirates supporters, Mosimane questioned the description.
The coach said he did not understand why the striker was being characterised in that way and pointed instead to his ability to contribute goals for the Buccaneers.
Mosimane highlighted Mbuthuma’s physical presence and his hunger to contribute, arguing that the forward deserves an opportunity at international level.
The coach’s comments make it clear that he sees qualities in Mbuthuma that can be useful to Bafana, even if the striker has not consistently produced the scoring numbers some supporters expect.
Mbuthuma could have a bigger role
With Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa unavailable for this international window, Mbuthuma is among the forwards who could receive increased responsibility.
The Pirates striker could therefore find himself competing for minutes across the three upcoming matches.
South Africa’s schedule begins with the AFCON qualifier against Guinea before the team travels to Egypt to face Eritrea. Bafana will then remain in Cairo for the friendly against the hosts.
The matches will give Mosimane an opportunity to assess his new squad while beginning his competitive tenure with the national team.
For Mbuthuma, the international call-up provides a chance to answer questions on the pitch and show why Mosimane believes he belongs in the Bafana Bafana setup.
Bafana Bafana 30-man squad
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams
- Sipho Chaine
- Ricardo Goss
Defenders
- Kamogelo Sebelebele
- Thapelo Morena
- Thabang Matuludi
- Ime Okon
- Lebone Seema
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Olwethu Makhanya
- Khulumani Ndamane
- Fawaaz Basadien
- Aubrey Modiba
- Samukele Kabini
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena
- Lebohang Maboe
- Sphephelo Sithole
- Bathusi Aubaas
- Brooklyn Poggenpoel
Forwards
- Iqraam Rayners
- Yanela Mbuthuma
- Cassius Mailula
- Oswin Appollis
- Puso Dithejane
- Tashreeq Matthews
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Themba Zwane
- Luther Singh
- Thapelo Maseko
- Shandre Campbell
Mosimane will now prepare his squad for a crucial opening AFCON qualifier against Guinea, with Mbuthuma among the forwards hoping to make an impact under the new Bafana coach.
