Bafana Bafana are facing a growing injury crisis ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with several players from the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad now doubtful for next month’s matches. The situation comes at a particularly awkward time for SAFA, with the organisation still working to finalise Pitso Mosimane’s return as head coach.
The three-time CAF Champions League winner’s appointment was approved by the SAFA National Executive Committee [NEC] on August 8, but as of August 21, no official announcement has been made.
That leaves Bafana facing two pressing issues at the same time – a growing list of injured players and uncertainty over who will officially lead the team into the September qualifiers.
South Africa host Guinea between September 23 and 25, 2026 before travelling to Asmara to face Eritrea between September 27 and 29, 2026. The qualifiers are now only a month away.
BAFANA BAFANA’S INJURY CONCERNS
At least seven players who were part of Bafana’s historic World Cup campaign are currently dealing with injury concerns. More worrying for the national team is that at least five of those players started matches at the tournament, meaning several established squad members could be unavailable when the AFCON qualifying campaign gets underway.
Chicago Fire centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi is among the biggest concerns. Mbokazi started all four of Bafana’s matches at the World Cup and established himself as an important figure in the defence. His absence leaves a hole at the back.
Evidence Makgopa is also facing a spell on the sidelines, while his Orlando Pirates teammate Thalente Mbatha is dealing with an injury of his own. Teboho Mokoena’s fitness will also need to be monitored closely after the midfielder played an important role in Bafana’s World Cup campaign.
Khuliso Mudau and Khulumani Ndamane are among the other players currently nursing injuries, while Tshepang Moremi is also a concern. Jayden Adams, who had been growing into an increasingly influential figure in the team, passed away a few weeks ago.
The full extent of the crisis will become clearer as the September international window approaches, but the new coach already has several players to worry about.
WHY PITSO MOSIMANE SITUATION MATTERS
That is where the uncertainty surrounding Mosimane becomes increasingly important. The initial offer of R5 million was rejected before SAFA improved it to R10 million.
However, the revised package remains below what Mosimane earned in previous club coaching jobs, and his backroom staff is also yet to be finalised.
Until those issues are resolved, Bafana remain without an officially confirmed successor to Hugo Broos. Whoever takes charge will need to assess the injured players, identify alternatives and work out how best to manage a squad that could be missing several World Cup regulars.
When the NEC approved Mosimane’s appointment on August 8, there was still enough time to get the deal over the line and give the incoming coach a reasonable preparation period.
RELATED STORY: SAFA improves Pitso Mosimane offer as Bafana deal moves closer
