Pitso Mosimane has unveiled his first squad as Bafana Bafana head coach since returning to the role, naming a 35-man preliminary group for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The squad will do duty in three crucial fixtures: a home clash against Guinea on 26 September at Orlando Stadium, an away encounter with Eritrea on 30 September in Cairo, and a high-profile friendly against Egypt on 4 October.
The squad reflects Mosimane’s signature blend of experience and youth, drawing on stalwarts from his previous stints and club triumphs while introducing fresh faces. In goal, captain Ronwen Williams leads a capable trio that includes Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss. The defensive line features the reliable Aubrey Modiba and Nkosinathi Sibisi, among others, providing a solid foundation for the team’s structure.
In midfield, Mosimane has called upon the creative talents of Teboho Mokoena and the evergreen Themba Zwane, whose experience will be vital in controlling the tempo of matches. Up front, the attacking options include the in-form Iqraam Rayners and the exciting young talent Relebohile Mofokeng, offering a mix of pace, power, and potential.
Mosimane, who replaced Hugo Broos after the latter’s departure following the 2026 World Cup, has emphasised the importance of building a cohesive unit capable of competing on the continental stage. His return has generated significant excitement among fans, who are hopeful that his proven track record—including multiple CAF Champions League titles—can translate into success for the national team.
The fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea are critical for South Africa’s qualification hopes, while the friendly against Egypt provides a valuable opportunity to test the squad against one of Africa’s top sides. As the countdown to the first match begins, the nation’s hopes rest on Mosimane’s ability to mould a team that can deliver on the promise of its individual talents. The journey to the 2027 AFCON starts now.
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