Pitso Mosimane Bafana squad selection includes forgotten stars and exciting new faces as the coach names his first group since returning for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Pitso Mosimane has named his first Bafana Bafana squad since returning as national team coach, bringing several overlooked players back into contention alongside new faces.
The Pitso Mosimane Bafana (1003.75) squad will begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, giving Mosimane his first competitive test since returning to the national team.
Forgotten Faces Return
Cyprus-based winger Luther Singh earned a surprise recall after five years away from the squad. Former coach Hugo Broos never selected him throughout his entire tenure. Cassius Mailula also returns after falling out of favour following his move to Toronto FC (4.60).
Fawaaz Basadien comes back after leaving Stellenbosch FC for Mamelodi Sundowns (2.66). Lebohang Maboe rounds out the list of returning players in Mosimane’s squad. Those recalls suggest a clear willingness to reopen doors closed under the previous regime.
New Names Given Their Chance
Chicago Fire’s Puso Dithejane received his maiden call-up after strong form this season. Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews also earns his first opportunity with the senior side. Durban City’s Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Orlando Pirates (2.66) defender Lebone Seema complete the newcomers.
Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma has also been included following his impressive start to the campaign. Shandre Campbell, who plays for Belgian side KV Kortrijk, features as well. Thapelo Maseko rounds out a group of younger additions to the squad.
Injury Problems In Defence
Mosimane faces several fitness concerns, particularly across his defensive options. Both Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau miss out through injury. Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane and Ime Okon provide central defensive cover. Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi complete the centre-back options available to the coach.
Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini and Basadien compete for the left-back position. Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thabang Matuludi and Thapelo Morena offer options at right-back. Matuludi has not played this season ahead of his move to Sundowns.
No Place For Foster
Lyle Foster misses out entirely from Mosimane’s first squad selection. The striker has not played since South Africa’s World Cup opener against Mexico. Iqraam Rayners and Mbuthuma therefore provide the main central striking options. Mailula could also operate in that role if required during the qualifiers.
Themba Zwane has been retained at the age of 37, underlining his continued value. South Africa face Guinea in Johannesburg on September 26th before travelling to Cairo. They meet Eritrea at that neutral venue four days later. A friendly against Egypt follows at the same stadium on October 4th.
Mosimane replaced Broos, who departed at the end of his contract in June. Broos left with South Africa having won bronze at the 2023 Afcon. His side also reached the knockout stage at this year’s World Cup. Mosimane now aims to guide South Africa to next year’s tournament in East Africa.
South Africa Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss.
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell.
What are the key points from Pitso Mosimane’s first Bafana squad?
- Surprise recalls for Luther Singh, Cassius Mailula, Fawaaz Basadien and Lebohang Maboe.
- New call-ups for Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebone Seema and others.
- Lyle Foster left out entirely due to lack of match fitness.
- Injury concerns in defence with Mbokazi and Mudau unavailable.
- First tests against Guinea (home) and Eritrea (neutral) in AFCON qualifiers.
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