Newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has officially announced his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers scheduled for later this month.
Mosimane will mark the official start of his second stint at the helm when South Africa hosts Guinea at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Saturday, 26 September.
Bafana will then hit the road to face Eritrea in an away fixture on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, before wrapping up the international window with a high-profile friendly against Egypt on 4 October in Cairo.
This window marks Mosimane’s first official assignment since taking over the reins from Belgian strategist Hugo Broos. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor has made it clear that he intends to build upon his predecessor’s groundwork, which saw Bafana claim bronze at the 2023 AFCON and reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup.
RETURNS AND RECALLS IN MOSIMANE’S SET-UP
Mosimane’s initial selection features several key inclusions and notable recalls for players who were omitted from the recent World Cup squad.
Among those returning or earning recognition under the new technical team are Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Lebohang Maboe, Tashreeq Matthews, Luther Singh, Cassius Mailula, Puso Dithejane, and Shandre Campbell.
The provisional list also includes Betway Premiership Defender of the Season Lebone Seema, alongside Tshepho Mashiloane, Cemran Dansin, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Ronaldo Van Neel.
KEY ABSENTEES AND TECHNICAL STAFF SETUP AT NEW BAFANA BAFANA
On the injury front, the national team will navigate the upcoming qualifiers without several regular figures. Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau misses out alongside Bradley Cross, Mbekezile Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, and striker Evidence Makgopa.
Furthermore, Mosimane is set to oversee the opening qualifier without a permanent first assistant coach. Speaking during his official unveiling at SAFA House, the three-time CAF Champions League winner revealed that negotiations with the association’s primary candidate remain ongoing.
In the interim, long-time technical collaborators Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba will step in to support Mosimane on the bench during the upcoming international fixtures.
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