Mosimane names 38-man Bafana Bafana squad for Kenya qualifiers

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has recalled several key players for next month’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, while also rewarding a group of players who have impressed with their recent form.

The preliminary 38-man squad includes Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Lebohang Maboe and Luke le Roux, all of whom missed the previous camp for various reasons.

Mosimane has also selected Thalasani Mbanjwa, Aiden Mcacarthy, Nkosikhona Radebe, Devin Titus, Boitumelo Radiopane and Nxaba Xulu after their performances earned them places in the squad.

Evidence Makgopa remains absent, while Yanela Mbuthuma has been left out after featuring in the previous camp for matches against Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt.

Mbokazi’s return gives Mosimane another option in central defence, although it also increases competition for places alongside Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya.

Maboe, who withdrew from the last camp because of injury, is back to compete for a midfield position with Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

Preliminary squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Sundowns), Thakasani Mbanjwa (Arrows).

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (FC Molde, Norway), Fawaaz Basadien (Sundowns), Nkosingiphile Radebe (AmaZulu), Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane (all Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers FC, Scotland), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi (all Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), Aden McCarthy (Sabah FK).

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela CD, Portugal), Bathusi Aubaas (Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Thalente Mbatha (Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns), Lebohang Maboe (Chiefs), Themba Zwane (Sundowns).

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews (Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol, Cyprus), Devin Titus (Maghreb Fes, Morocco), Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo, USA), Boitumelo Radiopane (Pirates), Nqaba Xulu (Richards Bay), Tshepang Moremi (Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, USA).