Mosimane names Zwane in Bafana Bafana leadership group as 30-man squad is announced

Pitso Mosimane has retained veteran midfielder Themba Zwane in Bafana Bafana’s leadership group despite admitting the 37-year-old may not be an automatic starter.

Mosimane unveiled his final 30-man squad at Safa House on Thursday afternoon for South Africa’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by an international friendly against Egypt.

Bafana Bafana will host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, September 26, before travelling to Al Salam Stadium to face Eritrea on Wednesday, September 30. Their schedule concludes with a meeting against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, October 4.

The squad marks the beginning of Mosimane’s second spell in charge and combines continuity with a number of fresh selections. His choices build on the work of Hugo Broos while also targeting areas he believes require improvement.

Eighteen players named were part of the South African squad that achieved a historic knockout-stage finish at the recent Fifa World Cup. Selection was influenced by current form, experience and player availability.

Zwane, who endured a difficult World Cup and is currently a fringe player at Mamelodi Sundowns, has been brought back to offer experience and guidance. Mosimane confirmed that Zwane, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine will be among the team’s leaders.

With the domestic season still in its early stages and limited opportunities to watch players, Mosimane opted to retain his established goalkeeping options. Williams, Chaine and Ricardo Goss have all been selected, even though Williams and Goss are now teammates competing for the number one position at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Williams has the opportunity to strengthen his position within the national team setup, while Zwane’s inclusion reflects the value Mosimane places on leadership alongside regular first-team involvement.

The squad also includes several players who had previously been left out or sidelined. Cassius Mailula, Luther Singh and Lebohang Maboe have returned to the national team, with all three expected to make an immediate contribution.

However, injuries have ruled out a number of recognised players as they continue their rehabilitation. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa and Khuliso Mudau were not included.

Mosimane also backed Orlando Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma, whose selection has attracted criticism because of missed chances. The coach believes Mbuthuma fully merits his place in the squad.

South African players making an impression abroad have also been included. Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko and Shandre Campbell have made strong starts at their new European clubs, and Mosimane will now be looking for that form to carry over to the international stage.