Sibisi omission from Bafana Bafana squad backed by former Sundowns defender

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Phelelani Mpangase says Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi was right to miss out on Pitso Mosimane’s final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Kenya.

Mosimane initially selected 38 players for the preliminary squad, but cut 12 names on Thursday to confirm his 27-man group for the two-match international window.

South Africa will host the Harambee Stars, coached by former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, at the Orlando Amstel Arena on 13 November. The return fixture will take place in Nairobi four days later.

Sibisi was among those omitted after the return of USA-based centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who plays for Chicago Fire, from injury. The emergence of Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya and Lebone Seema also contributed to the Pirates captain missing out.

Mpangase, who is currently working towards his coaching badges, believes the decision should be judged on defensive and technical qualities rather than Sibisi’s status as Orlando Pirates captain.

“As a national team coach, you will never please everyone, because football is a game of opinion,” Mpangase told KickOff.

“Since Mbekezeli Mbokazi has returned from injury, someone obviously had to make way. We all know how important Mbokazi is to the country. If we consider the 2026 World Cup, Sibisi played only one match.”

He added that Seema’s recent performances made him a stronger candidate for selection, despite Sibisi leading Orlando Pirates during a successful run.

“If you look at club-level performances, you will agree that Lebone Seema deserves his place in the national team ahead of Sibisi. Seema has been performing very well in defence for Pirates,” said Mpangase.

“We understand that Sibisi is the Pirates captain and that the team is doing well under his leadership, but individual performance is also very important.”

Mpangase also questioned whether Sibisi’s style suited the way Bafana Bafana are expected to approach the games against Kenya.

“You mainly need Sibisi when applying defensive tactics, but you cannot do that against teams such as Kenya,” he said.

“When I consider the way Bafana play, Sibisi is not comfortable with slow build-up play from the back.

“He is different from the technically sound Seema, who can find a striker with a ground pass.”

Mbokazi’s return strengthens Mosimane’s defensive options, while the inclusion of Okon, Makhanya and Seema gives the coach further alternatives before the opening match on 13 November.