Thapelo Morena delighted to return to Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana squad

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thapelo Morena says being included in Pitso Mosimane’s first Bafana Bafana squad has given him one of the best feelings in football.

The 33-year-old right-back is part of Mosimane’s 30-member group selected to prepare for and play in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Bafana Bafana will face Guinea and Eritrea in the qualifying campaign, as well as playing an international friendly against Egypt in October.

Morena missed both the AFCON and the FIFA World Cup because of injury, but has now been recalled to the national team setup by a coach who knows him from their time together at club level.

Speaking at a media briefing at Chloorkop on Friday morning, ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ FIFA Intercontinental Cup meeting with Asian champions Al Ahli, Morena described his selection as a major moment.

> “It’s a great feeling seeing my name on the list yesterday (Thursday). I think it’s one of those when a soccer player plays football seeing his name in the squad, in any international team squad. Besides, you’ve been there, but knowing there’s changes and there was a lot of things, also injuries but also being back in the squad is one of the best things to me,” Morena told the media.

The versatile player had previously been part of the national-team picture, but injuries prevented him from featuring at the two major tournaments.

His return gives him the chance to rebuild his international career under Mosimane, who has taken over as Bafana Bafana coach and named his first squad for the forthcoming AFCON qualifiers.

Morena’s selection was among the names announced on Thursday, and he said the news was especially significant because of the changes within the national team and his recent injury problems.

The squad’s first competitive assignments will be against Guinea and Eritrea in the AFCON 2027 qualifying matches. The meeting with Egypt in October will provide another opportunity for Morena to regain match experience at international level.

For now, his focus remains with Mamelodi Sundowns as they prepare to face Al Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The fixture comes after his inclusion in a Bafana Bafana squad that has given him a fresh opportunity under Mosimane.