Mosimane recalls Mbokazi and Foster for South Africa’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Pitso Mosimane has named a preliminary South Africa squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lyle Foster and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe included.

Bafana Bafana began their qualifying campaign with consecutive victories over Guinea and Eritrea last month. They will face Benni McCarthy’s Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on 13 November before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture four days later.

Mbokazi and Foster were both absent from South Africa’s squad during the previous FIFA break. Sabah FK defender Aden McCarthy has also been selected after scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal against Borussia Dortmund.

South Africa squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thakasani Mbanjwa (Golden Arrows)

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosikhona Radebe (AmaZulu), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matludi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aden McCarthy (Sabah FK)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Cercle Brugge)

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Union Saint-Gilloise), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol), Devin Titus (Maghreb Fez), Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo), Boitumelo Radiopane (Orlando Pirates), Nqaba Xulu (Richards Bay), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire).