Mosimane names 35-man Bafana Bafana squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Pitso Mosimane has selected a 35-man provisional Bafana Bafana squad for this month’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, marking the start of his second spell as head coach of the South Africa national team.

Mosimane was formally unveiled in the role during a press briefing at SAFA House earlier on Tuesday. He replaces Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who had previously been in charge of Bafana Bafana.

The former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns manager will begin his return with a match against Guinea on 23 September. Bafana Bafana will then travel to face Eritrea four days later.

Kenya are the other team in South Africa’s qualification group. However, with Benni McCarthy’s side already qualified, Mosimane’s team will need to finish at the top of Group D or secure second place behind Kenya to reach next year’s tournament.

The provisional squad represents the first group of players called up by Mosimane since his return to the national team. The announcement comes as South Africa prepare for two early tests in the qualifying campaign, with the fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea scheduled to take place within four days of each other.

Mosimane previously coached Bafana Bafana and now returns to the position after spells with Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns. His appointment followed the departure of Broos, with the new head coach now tasked with guiding South Africa through the qualification process for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 35-man list is provisional, meaning it forms the initial selection for the upcoming international fixtures. Mosimane and his staff will use the squad as they prepare for the opening Group D matches.

South Africa’s immediate challenge will be the meeting with Guinea on 23 September. Attention will then turn to the away fixture against Eritrea on 27 September, when Bafana Bafana will attempt to strengthen their position in the group.

Qualification will be determined by the final standings. South Africa must either win Group D or finish second behind Kenya to book their place at the tournament, although Kenya have already secured qualification as co-hosts.

Mosimane’s return therefore begins with a clear target: make a strong start against Guinea and Eritrea while building a squad capable of competing for one of the available qualification places.

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