Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya, with a mixture of local talent and South African players based abroad included in his selection.
The squad announcement comes as South Africa prepares for two important encounters against the Harambee Stars this November, with both teams expected to battle for valuable points in the race for qualification for the continental showpiece.
Mosimane’s selection includes several familiar faces from the national team, alongside players who have been making their mark in domestic football and overseas leagues.
Mamelodi Sundowns dominate the selection, with a significant number of players from the reigning South African football heavyweights included in different departments. Orlando Pirates also have a strong contingent, highlighting the contribution of the country’s leading clubs to the national team.
Among the goalkeepers selected are captain Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss, both from Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Sipho Chaine.
The defensive department features Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena and Thabang Matuludi from Sundowns. They are joined by Samukele Kabini, who plays for Norwegian club Molde, Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers in Scotland, Ime Okon of Germany’s Hannover 96, Lebone Seema of Orlando Pirates and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who represents Chicago Fire in the United States.
In midfield, Mosimane has called up Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole of Portuguese side Tondela and Brooklyn Poggenpoel of Durban City.
The attacking department boasts several exciting options, including Sundowns forwards Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula and Tashreeq Matthews. Orlando Pirates are represented by Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, while Puso Dithejane of Chicago Fire, Lyle Foster of Houston Dynamo, Relebohile Mofokeng of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Luther Singh of AEL Limassol and Siyanda Ndlovu also make the cut.
The inclusion of players based in Europe and the United States adds international experience to the squad, while the presence of emerging local talents gives Mosimane additional options as he prepares for the two fixtures.
The selection reflects a combination of experience, versatility and attacking depth, with competition for places expected across all areas of the pitch.
