Mosimane faces overseas-player challenge as Bafana Bafana prepare for AFCON qualifiers

Pitso Mosimane’s record of finding and developing overseas-based players during his previous spell in charge of Bafana Bafana offers a mixed picture as he prepares to return to the national team, with Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to begin next month.

The emergence of players based outside South Africa has become an increasingly important part of the national-team conversation. KickOff has revisited Mosimane’s previous attempts to integrate footballers playing abroad, following the growing presence of overseas-based players in the Bafana Bafana squad.

Former head coach Hugo Broos was willing to give opportunities to players whose international credentials were not yet established, whether they were based in the domestic game or overseas. His most notable discovery abroad was Sphephelo Sithole, who was offered a rare chance while playing in the second division in Portugal.

Broos relied predominantly on players from the Premier Soccer League, but towards the end of his tenure he began placing greater emphasis on footballers based overseas. That shift followed South Africa’s round-of-16 defeat by Cameroon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, when Bafana Bafana were overpowered by their opponents.

The Belgian subsequently included Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon in the national-team set-up, selecting both players in his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mosimane’s previous tenure began shortly after South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup. Having taken over in July 2010, he had limited time to conduct extensive experiments, but he nevertheless handed England-based forward Davide Somma his first call-up and international debut.

Somma was playing for Leeds United in the Championship at the time. However, he did not meet expectations and went on to make only three appearances for Bafana Bafana.

Mosimane, who had previously worked as an assistant coach under Carlos Alberto Parreira, made relatively few other attempts to introduce overseas-based players during that period. Among those opportunities were Dylan Claasen, who received his debut while playing for Lierse SK in Belgium, and Bevan Fransman, who was with Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel.

The more established overseas contingent during Mosimane’s reign included Steven Pienaar, who was based in England, and Anele Ngcongca, who was playing in Belgium. Kagisho Dikgacoi was also part of the group while in England, while Siboniso Gaxa played in Belgium before later joining Kaizer Chiefs.

Tsepo Masilela was another regular member of the squad, having played in Spain and Israel before moving to Kaizer Chiefs.

Mosimane’s return will therefore come with immediate pressure to make effective decisions on players based abroad. Unlike during his first spell, the importance of that group has become even more prominent following Broos’ later selections and the national team’s recent experiences.

The former Al Ahly coach will have little time to settle into the role, with the AFCON qualifying campaign set to begin in earnest next month. His handling of the overseas-based players will be closely examined as he attempts to shape a squad capable of competing for a place at the next Africa Cup of Nations.