Mosimane handed Bafana Bafana boost by players thriving overseas

Pitso Mosimane has returned to Bafana Bafana with a squad increasingly shaped by South Africans making an impact abroad, including several players arriving in camp in strong form.

Relebohile Mofokeng is the most prominent example after scoring his first Europa League goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday.

The 21-year-old has scored four goals since leaving Orlando Pirates for Belgium and has made an encouraging start to his European career. Mofokeng is also among the next generation Mosimane wants to develop, with the coach identifying his versatility and ability to influence matches from different positions.

Thapelo Maseko is another player beginning to settle into life overseas after joining FC Copenhagen from Mamelodi Sundowns.

The winger scored twice on his first start for Copenhagen in their 5-0 victory over OB earlier this month, offering an early indication of his potential in a new environment.

Maseko was one of Bafana Bafana’s standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored the winning goal against South Korea. His move to Europe provides another opportunity for him to continue his development.

Puso Dithejane has also benefited from his move abroad. The Chicago Fire attacker was rewarded for an impressive run of form in Major League Soccer, including being named the club’s player of the month for July and August.

That form earned Dithejane his first senior Bafana Bafana call-up under Mosimane and gives the coach another possible attacking option during the upcoming international window.

The overseas group also includes players whose influence is not measured solely by goals.

Olwethu Makhanya has established himself at Rangers since moving from Stellenbosch, while Shandre Campbell is continuing his European career with Belgian club KV Kortrijk.

Campbell joined Kortrijk from Club Brugge after making 11 Belgian Pro League appearances last season. His selection underlines the growing number of young South Africans seeking regular football and experience outside the country.

Makhanya’s move to Scotland has strengthened Mosimane’s defensive options. The Rangers defender is competing with several centre-backs for a place in the team, presenting the coach with a different selection challenge to the abundance of attacking choices available to him.

South Africa’s 30-man squad for the upcoming international window includes nine players based outside the country, among them Mofokeng, Maseko, Dithejane, Makhanya and Campbell.

Their progress reflects the increasingly common route for promising South African players: facing different opponents, adapting to new football cultures and competing for regular places overseas.

For Mosimane, that experience creates greater competition within the squad. If the goals, playing time and performances continue, the overseas contingent could add a new dimension as he begins building his Bafana Bafana team.