Pitso Mosimane has confirmed his final Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as South Africa’s international friendly against Egypt.
The coach has trimmed his preliminary 35-man selection to a final group of 30 players as Bafana Bafana prepare to return to competitive action.
South Africa will host Guinea at Orlando Stadium on 26 September, before travelling to Cairo for their qualifier against Eritrea on 30 September. The team will remain in Egypt and face the hosts in an international friendly on 4 October.
Mosimane keeps experienced core
Mosimane has retained several players who formed part of South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad while also including a number of players being introduced to his Bafana Bafana setup.
Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss make up the goalkeeper department, while the defensive options include Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
In midfield, Teboho Mokoena remains one of the established names in the squad. He is joined by Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
The attack features a mixture of familiar Bafana players and younger options, including Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell.
Five players miss out
Five players who featured in Mosimane’s preliminary squad have been left out of the final selection.
Cemran Dansin and Tshepo Mashiloane did not make the final cut, while Lyle Foster, Ronaldo van Neel and Tshepang Moremi are also absent.
Moremi’s omission is particularly notable after the Orlando Pirates winger returned to full training during the week. His exclusion means Mosimane has opted against selecting him for this international window.
The final squad also confirms that Foster will not be part of the group for the three-match international programme.
Maboe keeps his place
Lebohang Maboe is among the players attracting attention after retaining his place in the final squad.
The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was included in the initial 35-man group and has now made the final selection. Maboe previously worked with Mosimane during their time together at Mamelodi Sundowns.
His selection also gives Kaizer Chiefs representation in Mosimane’s latest Bafana Bafana squad.
New opportunities under Mosimane
Several players will have the opportunity to establish themselves under the new Bafana Bafana coach.
Tashreeq Matthews, Lebone Seema, Cassius Mailula and Yanela Mbuthuma are among the players included as Mosimane balances established international experience with fresh options.
The upcoming fixtures will provide the squad with a demanding start, with two AFCON qualifying matches followed by a meeting with Egypt in Cairo.
Bafana Bafana final squad
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Sipho Chaine — Orlando Pirates
- Ricardo Goss — Mamelodi Sundowns
Defenders
- Aubrey Modiba — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Samukele Kabini — Molde FK
- Fawaaz Basadien — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Kamogelo Sebelebele — Orlando Pirates
- Thapelo Morena — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Thabang Matuludi — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Olwethu Makhanya — Rangers FC
- Khulumani Ndamane — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Ime Okon — Hannover 96
- Lebone Seema — Orlando Pirates
- Nkosinathi Sibisi — Orlando Pirates
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Lebohang Maboe — Kaizer Chiefs
- Sphephelo Sithole — CD Tondela
- Bathusi Aubaas — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Brooklyn Poggenpoel — Durban City
Forwards
- Iqraam Rayners — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Yanela Mbuthuma — Orlando Pirates
- Cassius Mailula — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Oswin Appollis — Orlando Pirates
- Puso Dithejane — Chicago Fire
- Tashreeq Matthews — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Relebohile Mofokeng — Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
- Themba Zwane — Mamelodi Sundowns
- Thapelo Maseko — FC Copenhagen
- Luther Singh — AEL Limassol
- Shandre Campbell — KV Kortrijk
Bafana Bafana now turn their attention to the opening AFCON qualifier against Guinea, with Mosimane beginning his competitive campaign with a 30-man squad that combines established internationals and new faces.
