Bafana Bafana could look considerably different when they face Kenya in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying encounter at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.
Head coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to make several adjustments to the side that defeated Eritrea 5-0 in their previous qualifying match.
Injuries have ruled out right-back Kamogelo Sebelebele and winger Thapelo Maseko, while the return of three important players gives the coach more options.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba are all expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury.
With the match scheduled to kick off at 18:00, South Africa will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the qualifying campaign.
Expected Bafana Bafana starting XI against Kenya
The projected line-up features changes in defence, midfield and attack as Mosimane looks to strengthen his team.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba
Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Relebohile Mofokeng
Forwards: Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners
The expected return of Mbokazi and Modiba should provide additional stability in defence, while Mokoena’s presence could strengthen South Africa’s midfield.
Moremi is tipped to feature on the right wing, with Appollis expected to operate on the opposite flank and Rayners leading the attack.
These selections remain predictions rather than a confirmed team announcement.
Bafana Bafana chasing another AFCON qualifying victory
South Africa have made an excellent start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Mosimane’s team collected maximum points from their opening two matches, beginning with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Johannesburg before producing an emphatic 5-0 win against Eritrea in Cairo.
Those results have put Bafana on six points at the top of Group D, with a goal difference of +6.
The team has also climbed to 48th in the FIFA world rankings and 10th in Africa, according to the supplied report.
However, Kenya present a different challenge.
The Harambee Stars have already qualified for the 2027 AFCON tournament as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda. That means the remaining qualification place in Group D will be contested by the other teams, with the group winners securing their place at the finals.
Two victories over Kenya would put South Africa in a strong position to finish at the top of the group.
After Friday’s meeting in Soweto, the teams are scheduled to meet again at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November.
Benni McCarthy returns to South Africa with Kenya
Friday’s match will have an additional storyline, with former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy returning to South Africa as Kenya’s head coach.
McCarthy remains South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer, but this time he will be in the opposing dugout as he attempts to guide the Harambee Stars against his former national team.
Kenya have endured a difficult opening to the qualifying campaign, collecting just one point from their first two matches.
They lost 1-0 to Guinea before drawing 1-1 with Eritrea.
McCarthy has also spoken publicly about financial challenges within his technical team, claiming that some members had gone approximately three months without receiving their salaries.
Despite those difficulties, Kenya will be determined to produce a strong performance against South Africa.
South Africa hold the historical advantage
Although Friday’s encounter will be the first competitive meeting between Bafana Bafana and Kenya, the two countries have faced each other four times in international friendlies.
South Africa remain unbeaten across those encounters, recording three victories and one draw.
Bafana have scored six goals and conceded two in those matches.
Their previous meetings include a 1-0 South African victory in 1996, a 1-1 draw in 2002, a 2-0 win in 2011 and a 2-1 victory in Nairobi in 2012.
The 2002 match ended with Kenya winning the penalty shootout, despite the teams drawing during normal play.
Can Bafana maintain their perfect start?
With six points already secured, South Africa have an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of Group D.
The expected return of Mbokazi, Mokoena and Modiba could prove important, while the attacking combination will be expected to deliver against a Kenyan side still searching for its first qualifying victory.
The presence of McCarthy on the opposition bench adds another layer of intrigue to the contest.
What is your predicted Bafana Bafana starting XI against Kenya? Do you agree with the expected changes, or would you make different selections?
