Pitso Mosimane has unveiled his first Bafana Bafana squad since returning as head coach, with Mamelodi Sundowns providing the largest contingent for South Africa’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Mosimane named a 30-man squad at Safa House in Nasrec, Johannesburg on Thursday for matches against Guinea on September 26 and Eritrea on September 30, with an international friendly against Egypt scheduled for October 4.
Sundowns have 11 players in the squad, including goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, defenders Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi and Khulumani Ndamane, midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, and forwards Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews and veteran Themba Zwane.
The squad also includes players from Orlando Pirates, European clubs and Kaizer Chiefs. Pirates have six representatives, while Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe is also included.
Mosimane has also recalled Luther Singh, who has not represented Bafana since 2021, while Shandre Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko and Puso Dithejane are among the players based abroad.
The return of Themba Zwane, now 37, is another notable feature of Mosimane’s first squad.
Bafana will open their Group D qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium before travelling to face Eritrea in Cairo.
Kenya, as one of the AFCON 2027 co-hosts, is also in the group and has automatic qualification.
Bafana have history with Guinea
South Africa will face a familiar opponent when they meet Guinea at Orlando Stadium.
The two nations have met four times in recent records, with Guinea winning two, South Africa winning one and the other ending in a draw. Their meetings include Guinea’s 2-0 victory over Bafana in the 2006 AFCON, a 1-0 Guinea win in a 2008 friendly and a goalless draw in 2022.
Bafana, however, claimed a 2-1 victory over Guinea in their most recent meeting at the 2024 African Nations Championship in August 2025.
The latest encounter therefore gives Mosimane’s side a recent positive result to draw on as they prepare for the AFCON qualifier.
Eritrea presents an unfamiliar challenge
The Eritrea fixture will be a different proposition, with South Africa having no previous official senior international meeting against the country according to available head-to-head records.
The September 30 qualifier will mark the first encounter between Bafana Bafana and Eritrea, adding another element of uncertainty to South Africa’s Group D campaign.
