Pitso Mosimane names 30-man Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON qualifiers

Pitso Mosimane has named his first Bafana Bafana squad since returning as head coach, selecting 30 players for South Africa’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea.

South Africa will open their campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 before playing Eritrea. Mosimane’s squad will also face Egypt in a friendly during the same international window.

The selection combines experienced internationals, emerging players and a number of footballers based overseas as Mosimane begins his second spell in charge of the national team.

Captain Ronwen Williams leads the goalkeeping group, with Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ricardo Goss also included.

Mamelodi Sundowns provide much of the defensive contingent. Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien and Thapelo Morena are all selected, while Orlando Pirates are represented by Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

South Africa’s overseas-based defensive options include Samukele Kabini of Molde, Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers and Ime Okon of Hannover 96.

In midfield, Tebogo Mokoena has been named alongside Lebogang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Durban City’s Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

The attacking group features Mamelodi Sundowns players Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula and Tashreeq Matthews. Orlando Pirates forwards Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma are also part of the squad.

Relebohile Mofokeng has returned to the Bafana Bafana setup after beginning his European career with Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Other players based outside South Africa include Puso Dithejane of Chicago Fire, Thapelo Maseko of FC Copenhagen, Luther Singh of AEL Limassol and Shandre Campbell of KV Kortrijk.

Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane is also included, with Mosimane balancing established international experience with younger players in his first squad since taking over again.

The fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea will be Mosimane’s first competitive tests since his return. Bafana Bafana will be aiming to make a positive start to their campaign to qualify for AFCON 2027.

The meeting with Egypt will give Mosimane a further opportunity to evaluate his players during the international window and continue developing his preferred Bafana Bafana team.