Pitso Mosimane faces several important selection decisions as he prepares to announce his final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad at SAFA House on Thursday.
The new head coach initially named a 35-man preliminary squad for the upcoming international window, but injuries have forced changes to his plans.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Khuliso Mudau and Evidence Makgopa have all been ruled out, leaving Mosimane with the task of finding suitable alternatives before finalising his squad.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi, who has been dealing with an injury since being included in the preliminary group. Moremi returned to full training this week, but his availability remains something to monitor.
Defensive Concerns for Mosimane
The absence of Mbokazi and Mudau could be particularly significant for Mosimane.
Mbokazi has become an important option in the Bafana Bafana defence, while Mudau has regularly featured at right-back. Their respective injuries mean Mosimane must assess his remaining defensive options before selecting the final squad.
The preliminary group already contains several alternatives, including Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tshepho Mashiloane.
The final announcement will reveal which defenders have done enough to earn a place in Mosimane’s first squad of his new Bafana tenure.
Midfield Also Hit by Injury
Mosimane has another decision to make in midfield following Mbatha’s withdrawal.
Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Cemran Dansin, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel remain among the midfield options in the preliminary selection.
With Mbatha unavailable, the balance of the midfield could change depending on the coach’s preferred formation and the roles he wants his players to perform.
What About Moremi?
Moremi’s situation adds another layer of uncertainty.
The Orlando Pirates winger had not featured since his inclusion in the provisional squad because of injury, although his return to full training has kept the possibility of selection open.
If he is cleared to participate, Mosimane will have another attacking option at his disposal. If not, another adjustment may be required before the 23-man squad is confirmed.
Three Matches Await Bafana Bafana
Mosimane’s first international window includes two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and a friendly against Egypt.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to host Guinea on 26 September in their opening AFCON qualifying fixture. South Africa will then face Eritrea in Cairo on 30 September, before meeting Egypt in an international friendly on 4 October.
The tight schedule means Mosimane will need sufficient depth across the squad as he begins his latest spell in charge of the national team.
The Final 23 Will Reveal Mosimane’s Plans
The preliminary squad contains a mixture of established internationals and emerging talent, but injuries have already forced the coach to reconsider some of his options.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss.
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tshepho Mashiloane.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Cemran Dansin, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Lyle Foster, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Ronaldo van Neel, Thapelo Maseko, Tshepang Moremi, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell.
The final 23-man squad will offer the clearest indication yet of how Mosimane intends to approach his return to Bafana Bafana, particularly after injuries disrupted his original selection.
For supporters, the key question now is which players will benefit from the vacant places — and who will miss out when Mosimane makes his final decisions.
