Pitso Mosimane is set to begin his second spell as Bafana Bafana head coach with a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.
South Africa will welcome Guinea on Saturday, 26 September, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 at Orlando Amstel Arena. The squad will then travel to Cairo for their meeting with Eritrea on 30 September before facing Egypt in an international friendly on 4 October.
With Mosimane’s squad now confirmed, attention has turned to the players who could make up his first starting XI.
Mosimane unlikely to make wholesale changes
Despite returning to the Bafana hot seat, Mosimane is not expected to completely overhaul the team immediately.
The coach has indicated that he wants to assess the squad before making significant changes. That could see several of the players who featured prominently under Hugo Broos retain their places.
However, injuries have forced Mosimane to make adjustments in defence.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau are unavailable, potentially opening the door for Olwethu Makhanya and Kamogelo Sebelebele to start.
The rest of the lineup could largely consist of familiar faces, with Mosimane expected to prioritise continuity for his first competitive fixture.
Expected Bafana Bafana XI vs Guinea
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Kamogelo Sebelebele, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba
Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena
Attackers: Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Iqraam Rayners
Ronwen Williams is expected to continue as captain and remain the last line of defence.
In midfield, Sithole and Mokoena could provide the balance, while Mofokeng is among the players who could be given freedom to influence the game in attacking areas.
Appollis and Maseko would offer width and pace, with Rayners expected to lead the line.
New faces waiting for their opportunity
Mosimane’s squad also contains several players who could push for starting roles during the international window.
Fawaaz Basadien, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebone Seema, Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell are among those hoping to impress the new coach.
The opening AFCON qualifiers could see Mosimane favour experience, particularly given the importance of the fixtures. The Egypt friendly may subsequently provide more opportunities for squad rotation and experimentation.
Bafana’s unusual AFCON qualification challenge
South Africa’s route to AFCON 2027 comes with an unusual twist.
Bafana Bafana are in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. Ordinarily, the top two teams in a qualifying group would advance.
However, Kenya are one of the tournament’s three co-hosts, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, and therefore already have their place at the finals.
That means the battle for the remaining qualification place in Group D carries added significance for South Africa and Guinea.
Every point could become important, particularly in the matches involving the teams competing for the qualifying position.
Mosimane’s second Bafana chapter begins
Mosimane’s return comes with immediate competitive pressure.
The Guinea fixture will be his first chance to put his plans into practice before Bafana travel to face Eritrea four days later.
For a coach returning to the national team, the opening fixtures will offer an early indication of his preferred tactical approach and which players he intends to build around.
Do you agree with this predicted Bafana Bafana XI against Guinea? Which player would you add or leave out?
