2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Siyanda Ndlovu earns maiden Bafana Bafana call-up for Kenya double-header

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Siyanda Ndlovu has earned his first senior national team call-up after being named in Pitso Mosimane’s final 27-man Bafana Bafana squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya.

The 23-year-old has been rewarded for his impressive performances since joining the South African champions at the start of the season, earning recognition from Mosimane as the coach finalises his squad for the crucial double-header.

Ndlovu has been steadily building his reputation as one of the exciting attacking prospects in South African football, having previously attracted attention during his time at Golden Arrows.

However, his performances at Sundowns appear to have finally convinced the national team coach to hand him an opportunity at international level.

The speedy winger has made 15 appearances across all competitions for the Brazilians this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

His ability to trouble defenders with his pace and attacking contributions has strengthened his case for selection, with Mosimane now giving him an opportunity to translate his club form onto the international stage.

Mbokazi returns as Mosimane makes defensive changes

Ndlovu is not the only notable inclusion in the final squad, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi also earning a recall after recovering from a thigh injury that had kept him out of action for several months.

The defender’s return provides an additional option for Mosimane as Bafana Bafana prepare for two important encounters against Kenya.

However, his inclusion has come at the expense of Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, who has been left out of the 27-man selection.

Mosimane has otherwise retained much of the core group that featured in his first three matches in charge, signalling his intention to maintain continuity as the team approaches a decisive stage of the qualification campaign.

The coach had initially announced a preliminary squad two weeks ago before reducing the selection to 27 players for the November fixtures.

Ndlovu’s inclusion represents a fresh attacking option, while Mbokazi’s return is expected to strengthen the defensive department.

Six points could put Bafana Bafana on brink of AFCON qualification

South Africa will face Kenya twice within four days, with the first encounter scheduled for Friday, November 13, at Orlando Stadium.

The two teams will then meet again on Tuesday, November 17, with Bafana Bafana travelling to face the same opponents in the return fixture.

The double-header presents Mosimane’s side with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the qualification standings and move closer to securing a place at next year’s AFCON in East Africa.

Collecting maximum points from the two matches would leave South Africa on the brink of qualification, significantly improving their chances of reaching the continental showpiece.

With the squad now reduced to 27 players, attention will turn to preparations for the encounters, as Mosimane looks to build on his early work with the national team.