Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has hit the ground running in his second spell at the helm, naming a 35-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The squad, announced on Tuesday, is a carefully balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting newcomers, reflecting Mosimane’s stated intent to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while injecting fresh energy into the national set-up.
Captain Ronwen Williams leads the veteran contingent, providing stability and leadership in goal. He is joined by other experienced internationals who have been mainstays of the Bafana set-up in recent years. At the other end of the spectrum, Mosimane has handed maiden call-ups to several promising talents, including striker Yanela Mbuthuma and midfielder Tashreeq Matthews, both of whom have impressed with their club performances.
South Africa’s qualification campaign begins with a home fixture against Guinea on 26 September, followed by an away trip to Eritrea. The team will then face a high-profile friendly against Egypt in October, a match that will provide a valuable test against one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
Fans have reacted with enthusiasm to the squad announcement, with particular attention on the omission of in-form midfielder Sipho Mbule, who has been excelling in the Iraq Stars League. Many supporters have taken to social media to push for his inclusion, arguing that his current form warrants a recall. Mosimane, however, has urged patience, stating that he is monitoring all eligible players and that the door remains open for those performing consistently.
The coach’s transparent approach to squad selection and preparation has been widely praised, with observers noting a refreshing clarity in communication compared to previous regimes. Mosimane has emphasised the importance of building a cohesive unit capable of competing on the continental stage, and his preliminary squad reflects a clear vision for the months ahead.
As the countdown to the Guinea clash begins, the excitement is palpable. With Mosimane at the helm and a squad brimming with both experience and potential, Bafana Bafana fans have reason to believe that the journey to the 2027 AFCON could be one worth watching.
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