Lebohang Maboe the only Kaizer Chiefs player in Pitso Mosimane’s first Bafana Bafana squad

Pitso Mosimane has named his preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, with Lebohang Maboe the sole Kaizer Chiefs representative in the selection.

The new South Africa coach will begin his second spell in charge on Saturday, 26 September, when Bafana host Guinea. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has yet to confirm the venue for that match.

Bafana will then travel to face Eritrea four days later, although the game is expected to be played at a neutral venue in Egypt. South Africa’s schedule will conclude with an international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.

Mosimane, speaking during his official unveiling at SAFA House on Tuesday, said he intended to rely on the core of the squad assembled by his predecessor, Hugo Broos, for the crucial qualifiers. He also indicated that the Egypt friendly would give fringe players and newcomers an opportunity to stake their claims.

The preliminary squad, announced on Friday night, follows that plan. It combines a number of established Bafana Bafana players with several less familiar names as Mosimane begins preparing for the three fixtures.

There are no changes to the goalkeeping group, with Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss all retaining their places.

The defensive selection includes Tshepo Mashiloane and Lebone Seema, who is the current Betway Premiership Defender of the Season. Thapelo Morena has also been recalled after missing the World Cup and is expected to come into the team in place of the injured Khuliso Mudau.

In midfield, Mosimane has kept faith with several of his established options. Maboe is the only player from Kaizer Chiefs in the preliminary squad and is expected to make the final selection, replacing the injured Thalente Mbatha.

Bafana Bafana’s forward options include the usual established players as well as two players rewarded for strong club form. Puso Dithejane has been included after his performances for Chicago Fire, while Cassius Mailula has earned recognition for his displays with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell are also part of the preliminary group.

Mosimane is expected to confirm his final squad in the coming days. South Africa have just over three weeks to prepare for the home qualifier against Guinea, which will mark the start of the coach’s second tenure.