Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana shake-up: Five stars facing fight for South Africa return

Pitso Mosimane has wasted little time putting his stamp on the Bafana Bafana, winning his opening two matches and already showing signs of building a team for the future.

South Africa began Mosimane’s tenure with victories over Guinea and Eritrea, with both results coming in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. While Eritrea are among the lower-ranked nations in the group, the points could prove crucial when qualification is eventually decided.

For Mosimane, securing a place at next year’s AFCON remains the immediate priority. But the coach’s early squad selections suggest he is also laying the foundations for a younger Bafana team.

Most of the squad is around 23 years old, while only a handful of players are over 30. Six members of the starting XI in his opening matches also currently play in Europe.

That shift towards youth could leave several established internationals facing an uphill battle to regain their places.

Grant Kekana

Grant Kekana has already missed out on two major tournaments and could find it difficult to convince Mosimane to reopen the door.

The Mamelodi Sundowns defender has made his desire to return to Bafana clear, but South Africa now have several younger defensive options emerging, including Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

With Mosimane appearing to favour youth, Kekana may need circumstances to change significantly to earn another opportunity.

Percy Tau

Percy Tau’s situation is arguably the most complicated.

The 32-year-old is currently without a club and has been unattached for around six months. His extensive international experience remains an asset, but the absence of regular competitive football could make a return difficult.

Tau’s previous contribution to Bafana may count in his favour, but he is likely to need a strong club comeback to strengthen his case.

Mothobi Mvala

Mothobi Mvala was an important figure during South Africa’s run to bronze at AFCON 2023, but injuries have interrupted his international career since then.

The versatile defender has been away from the national team setup for some time, while competition for defensive positions has intensified.

The emergence of younger options could make Mvala’s route back increasingly difficult.

Nyiko Mobbie

Nyiko Mobbie was a regular under Hugo Broos during the early part of the Belgian’s tenure, but his involvement gradually declined after 2023.

Khuliso Mudau became Broos’ preferred right-back, while Mosimane now has additional competition in Kamogelo Sebelebele and Thabang Matuludi.

Mobbie could therefore find it difficult to force his way back unless his circumstances change.

Lebo Mothiba

Lebo Mothiba also faces a difficult battle.

Mosimane is still looking for a reliable striker to lead Bafana’s attack, but Mothiba has struggled for consistency in front of goal at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Age and the emergence of younger attacking options could further complicate his prospects.

Mosimane appears to have established the foundations of his Bafana squad, and unless performances or circumstances change significantly, several familiar names could remain on the outside looking in.