Mbokazi returns as Mosimane names 27-man Bafana Bafana squad

Chicago Fire centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has returned to the Bafana Bafana squad for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Kenya.

Mbokazi has not played for South Africa since an impressive performance at the 2026 World Cup in June. He was left out of Pitso Mosimane’s first squad after the coach returned to the national team in September, but has now been recalled for the two Group D matches this month.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Siyanda Ndlovu is another notable inclusion in Mosimane’s 27-player squad. The skilful attacker was not named in the preliminary group announced on October 23, but his form for the Brazilians has earned him a place in the final selection.

The squad does not include Sundowns veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, who has been struggling to secure regular playing time for his club.

South Africa began their Afcon qualifying campaign during Mosimane’s first camp back in charge. They beat Guinea 2-1 at Orlando Stadium before recording a 5-0 victory over Eritrea in neutral Cairo.

Bafana Bafana remained in the Egyptian capital for a friendly against Egypt, which they won 1-0.

There are also fitness concerns surrounding two other Sundowns players included in the squad. Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, along with influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena, have both missed their club’s recent matches.

South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Stadium on November 13, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium on November 17.

Kenya are co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania, and will qualify automatically for the tournament. As a result, only one other team from Group D will advance through the qualifying campaign.

South Africa currently top the group with six points. Guinea are second on three points, while Kenya sit third with one point. Eritrea also have one point but are bottom on goal difference.

The matches against Kenya will therefore be important to South Africa’s hopes of securing the group’s remaining qualification place, despite the Kenyan side already having a guaranteed place at the tournament as hosts.

Bafana Bafana’s latest squad includes Mbokazi’s return to international football, Ndlovu’s first call-up under Mosimane’s final selection and the omission of Zwane, while the fitness of Williams and Mokoena will be monitored before the two fixtures.