Pitso Mosimane is preparing to finalise his first Bafana Bafana squad since returning to the national team, with a busy international window approaching.
The experienced coach has already named a 35-player preliminary group as he prepares South Africa for two crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and an international friendly. The final selection will provide a clearer indication of the players Mosimane intends to rely on as he begins his latest spell in charge.
Mosimane Faces Key Selection Decisions
The preliminary squad features a combination of established Bafana regulars and players looking to establish themselves under the new coach.
Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss were selected among the goalkeepers, while the defensive group includes Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya and other options.
In midfield, Mosimane has Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Lebohang Maboe, Cemran Dansin and Brooklyn Poggenpoel to consider.
The attacking department features several familiar names, including Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Oswin Appollis and Themba Zwane, alongside younger options such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Cassius Mailula, Shandre Campbell, Puso Dithejane and Yanela Mbuthuma.
Several players who were unavailable or overlooked for the 2026 World Cup squad have also entered the conversation, adding further competition for places. Injuries have affected the availability of some established players, including Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa.
Three Fixtures on Mosimane’s Agenda
South Africa’s upcoming schedule leaves little room for experimentation.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Guinea on 26 September, before travelling to face Eritrea on 30 September. They will then meet Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo on 4 October.
The Guinea fixture will be Mosimane’s first competitive match since returning to the Bafana Bafana job. SAFA has confirmed Orlando Stadium as the venue for that opening AFCON qualifier.
The Eritrea match will take place in Egypt, with Eritrea using a neutral venue because of stadium-related circumstances. The international window will then conclude with the friendly against the Egyptian national team.
Final Squad Will Offer a Closer Look at Mosimane’s Plans
Mosimane’s preliminary selection largely retains the core of the squad used during the previous regime while introducing several new or returning faces.
The final squad will therefore be closely watched as supporters look to see which players survive the cut and which youngsters receive an opportunity under the returning coach.
With AFCON qualification beginning later this month, Mosimane now has to balance experience, current form and the demands of three matches in a short international window.
The final selection should provide an early glimpse of how the coach plans to shape Bafana Bafana for the next phase of his tenure.
