Pitso Mosimane has named his first 30-man Bafana Bafana squad, retaining the core of the World Cup team while bringing in new youth prospects for upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, alongside a friendly against Egypt.
Mosimane Returns for Second Stint as Bafana Head Coach
Pitso Mosimane has named his first official Bafana Bafana squad since returning to the hot seat, trimming a preliminary list of 35 players down to 30 men. This marks Mosimane’s second tenure as the senior national side’s mentor, following his initial spell between 2010 and 2012.
Mosimane brings extensive managerial experience to the position. During his career away from the national team, he claimed the CAF Champions League once with Mamelodi Sundowns and twice with Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.
The newly appointed coach takes over from predecessor Hugo Broos following the completion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Balancing World Cup Continuity with Fresh Talent
Rather than executing an immediate squad overhaul, Mosimane opted for continuity by keeping the majority of the players who represented the country at the global tournament in North America. At the same time, five players are out due to injury, and the coach also wants to give young players a chance.
Mosimane initially selected a preliminary group of 35 players two weeks ago before trimming that number to the final 30. We have reduced the [squad from] 35 to 30 players, not an easy thing to do,
Mosimane stated. We had to do our homework, who we called, why we called. But you must also understand why we couldn’t call all the players.
One of the most notable absentees is striker Lyle Foster, who has just moved to MLS side Houston Dynamo. Foster has been struggling with form and was dropped by Broos in the last two matches at the World Cup. Meanwhile, Mosimane included players Fawaaz Basadien, Lebone Seema, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Yanela Mbuthuma, Cassius Mailula, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Luther Singh, and Shandre Campbell, alongside Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews and Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma.
Tensions Surrounding Domestic Selection Choices
The inclusion of Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma sparked debate among supporters after some sections of the fanbase criticized the selection and labeled the player an “enemy.” Addressing the public reaction, Mosimane defended the choice directly.
“Well, I don’t know what other people are saying and I don’t know why people brand him as an enemy. I think he’s a national team player. He scores goals for Orlando Pirates. I think you’ve seen him scoring few goals in Orlando Stadium. And yes, maybe he’s not scoring as much as you want, but he does score and he’s got a physical presence also and he’s hungry. Give him a chance,”
Pitso Mosimane
Group D Qualifiers and Egypt Friendly Schedule
South Africa has been drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea, and Kenya for a place in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
The upcoming fixtures arrive in rapid succession, beginning with a qualifier against Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. Mosimane emphasized that official qualification points take precedence, though he welcomes the challenge of facing continental heavyweights Egypt in a friendly fixture.
“Two qualifiers, one friendly. Everyone understands the importance of the qualifiers. But Egypt are also a big gun. It’s important to face the big guns.”
Pitso Mosimane
Upcoming Fixtures and Match Dates
- Saturday, 26 September 2026: Bafana vs. Guinea (Group D Qualifier) at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
- Wednesday, 30 September 2026: Eritrea vs. Bafana (Group D Qualifier) away in Egypt.
- 4 October 2026: Egypt vs. Bafana (International Friendly) at Cairo International Stadium.
Final Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell