Mosimane names Bafana Bafana squad for Kenya double-header

Pitso Mosimane has reduced his preliminary group to 27 players for Bafana Bafana’s two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Kenya, with 12 players left out of the final squad.

The exclusions include veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe. Manchester City forward Thapelo Maseko is also absent after suffering a recent injury.

Mosimane originally selected 38 players for consideration but announced his final squad on Thursday. Siyanda Ndlovu has been included despite not featuring in the initial list.

Bafana Bafana began their Group D campaign with consecutive victories, beating Guinea 2-1 at home before recording a 5-0 win over Eritrea.

Those results have put South Africa top of the group with six points, three ahead of Guinea. Kenya and Eritrea have one point each.

The qualification situation is affected by Kenya’s status as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. As a result, only one team from Group D will qualify for the tournament, leaving Bafana Bafana needing to finish first.

South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on 13 November before travelling to face the Harambee Stars four days later.

Maseko scored Bafana Bafana’s crucial goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but will not be involved in the upcoming double-header because of his injury.

The 12 players omitted from Mosimane’s final squad are:

– Themba Zwane – Thakasani Mbanjwa – Nkosikhona Radebe – Khulumani Ndamane – Nkosinathi Sibisi – Aden McCarthy – Lebohang Maboe – Luke Le Roux – Devin Titus – Nqaba Xulu – Thapelo Maseko – Boitumelo Radiopane