Pitso Mosimane names Bafana Bafana squad for Guinea and Eritrea AFCON qualifiers

Pitso Mosimane has announced his final Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, scheduled for September and October 2026.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed a 30-player selection dominated by footballers from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. The squad also includes several players based in Europe and the United States.

Goalkeepers

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams has been retained as Mosimane’s first-choice goalkeeper. Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ricardo Goss are the other options in the position.

Defensive selection

Eleven defenders have been named, including Mamelodi Sundowns pair Aubrey Modiba and Fawaaz Basadien.

Samukele Kabini returns to the squad after making his mark with Molde FK in Norway, while Rangers FC defender Olwethu Makhanya has been rewarded with a call-up following his form in Scotland.

Orlando Pirates contribute three defenders in Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Mamelodi Sundowns have four further representatives in the defensive group: Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi and Khulumani Ndamane. Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon, who plays in Germany, completes the selection.

Midfield options

Mosimane has chosen five midfielders for the qualifiers.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas are joined by Kaizer Chiefs’ Lebohang Maboe.

Sphephelo Sithole returns from Portugal, where he plays for CD Tondela, while Brooklyn Poggenpoel has earned his first call-up from Durban City FC.

Forwards

The attacking group also contains 11 players, including four from Mamelodi Sundowns: Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews and Themba Zwane.

Orlando Pirates forwards Yanela Mbuthuma and Oswin Appollis are included, as is Puso Dithejane of Chicago Fire in the United States.

Relebohile Mofokeng returns to the national squad from Belgium, where he represents Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The remaining attacking places go to Thapelo Maseko of FC Copenhagen, AEL Limassol forward Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell, who plays for KV Kortrijk.