Mosimane’s first Bafana Bafana squad hit by injuries and heartbreak

Pitso Mosimane has cut his first Bafana Bafana squad from 35 players to 30 ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea on 26 and 30 September.

The selection has already prompted questions over the players who have been left out, with several absences linked to injuries and one the result of a tragic loss.

The most notable omission is Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire. The 20-year-old defender played a significant role in Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup campaign, which ended in the Round of 32 after defeat by co-hosts Canada.

Mbokazi returned to Major League Soccer after the tournament and was later named in the starting line-up for the 2026 MLS All-Star Roster. He received more fan votes than any other player, including Lionel Messi.

However, Chicago Fire manager Gregg Berhalter confirmed that Mbokazi had suffered a thigh muscle tear and would miss the rest of the season.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau is another expected absentee after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the club’s 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants on 19 August.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso described the injury as serious, saying Mudau would need surgery and was likely to spend several months on the sidelines. He is not expected to be available to Bafana Bafana during the September to November international window.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha is currently affected by a long-standing knee problem, with the club indicating that surgery may be required. Team-mate Evidence Makgopa has also been unavailable since suffering an ankle injury during World Cup training.

The latest information from Orlando Pirates suggests both players will miss forthcoming PSL matches, leaving Mosimane to consider alternative options for the AFCON qualifiers.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross appears to have sustained a foot injury during pre-season and is reportedly facing several months out. His manager, Fernando da Cruz, offered only a brief update, saying the club would be “taking its time” with the player.

Lyle Foster was included in Mosimane’s original 35-man selection but did not make the revised 30-player squad. There has been no official confirmation of the reason, although reports have linked his omission to an injury that has prevented him from making his Houston Dynamo debut in MLS.

Tshepang Moremi was also initially selected before being removed from the squad announced this week. Unconfirmed reports have suggested that an injury may be behind his absence.

The most poignant omission is the late Jayden Adams. The 25-year-old midfielder died in July, only days after helping Bafana Bafana secure a historic victory over South Korea at the World Cup.

Adams was buried in his hometown of Stellenbosch later that month.

SAFA said: “This will be Bafana Bafana’s first match without the late Jayden Adams, who was laid to rest in Stellenbosch in July 2026.”