Pitso Mosimane handed strong Bafana Bafana foundation for second spell

Pitso Mosimane has inherited a settled South Africa squad as he begins his second spell in charge, with continuity at the heart of his 35-man preliminary selection.

Mosimane, who left the job 14 years ago, has been given a strong base from which to build after the bulk of the team that reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup in North America was retained.

The goalkeeper selection was straightforward, with Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss all included after representing South Africa at the tournament just over two months ago.

They were joined by defenders Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, who were also part of that historic World Cup squad, remain involved. The forward group includes Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko and Tshepang Moremi.

That makes 20 players from the World Cup squad, with 13 having played in the tournament and the others benefiting from the experience of being involved in football’s biggest event under Hugo Broos.

The selection suggests Mosimane is not looking to make wholesale changes. Instead, he has inherited what appears to be a solid platform as South Africa pursue greater success in Africa and increased competitiveness on the global stage.

Adams absence felt

South Africa’s first match under Mosimane will be against Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier on 26 September.

One notable absentee is Jayden Adams. His omission is not the result of injury, suspension or poor form, but follows the death of the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder at the age of 25.

Adams had helped Bafana Bafana secure a 1-0 victory over South Korea and qualify for the next round of the World Cup only weeks before his death. “Forever in our hearts, Grootman.”

Thalente Mbatha, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau and Evidence Makgopa are also missing from the group.

However, injuries to important players no longer represent the same crisis they once did for South Africa. Mbokazi and Mudau have become significant parts of the defence, operating at centre-back and right-back respectively, but the options available to Mosimane have expanded.

Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Khulumani Ndamane can cover at centre-back, while Thulani Serero? NoMosimane’s right-back alternatives are Morena, Thabang Matuludi and Kamogelo Sebelebele. The squad therefore retains depth despite the absences.

Mosimane also knows the group well enough to understand how to get the best from his players.

Egypt reunion

South Africa’s away fixture against Eritrea will be played in Egypt because the north-east African country does not have a suitable stadium for international matches.

Eritrea may not be among the continent’s strongest sides, but Bafana Bafana cannot afford to underestimate them. International football has produced countless surprise results, with supposedly weaker teams regularly causing upsets.

The Egyptian venue will be familiar to Mosimane and his technical staff, Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoaga. The trio won two of the three Confederation of African Football Champions League finals during their time leading Al Ahly, described as Africa’s Club of the Century.

The recent overseas moves made by several South African players have also helped broaden the squad’s development, even if they have not involved Europe’s traditional top five leagues: the English Premier League, Germany’s Bundesliga, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1.

Thapelo Maseko recently joined FC Copenhagen in the Danish SuperLiga, while other players have moved to the Scottish Premiership, Belgian Pro League and Major League Soccer.

In July, Olwethu Makhanya moved from Philadelphia Union in MLS to Rangers FC in Scotland as the eighth signing made by manager Derek McInnes. He made his debut against Falkirk on Wednesday and will now aim to establish himself in the team.

Shandre Campbell’s transfer from Genk to Koninklijke Voetbalclub Kortrijk, commonly known as KV Kortrijk, has also offered the forward the prospect of more regular playing time. The club is not related to Kortjaas.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi attracted considerable attention after moving to the United States, while his team-mate Phuso Dithejane has also made a strong impression in MLS. Dithejane has produced man-of-the-match performances for Chicago Fire, where he is learning from the experienced Robert Lewandowski.

South Africa must begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign strongly. With a settled core, greater depth and a coach familiar with success in Africa, Mosimane should be given the opportunity to build on the foundation he has inherited.