Pitso Mosimane has named his first final Bafana Bafana squad since returning as head coach, selecting 30 players for South Africa’s opening 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
Mosimane initially selected a 35-man preliminary squad before reducing the group to 30 ahead of a busy international window that will also include a friendly against Egypt.
Bafana begin their AFCON qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
They then travel to Cairo, Egypt, to face Eritrea at Al-Salam Stadium on Wednesday, 30 September, before meeting hosts Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.
Mosimane explains his Bafana selections
Mosimane said several factors were considered when deciding who would make the final squad.
“We select (based) on form, we select on experience, and we select on availability and the impact of injuries,” he explained.
The squad is scheduled to assemble on Sunday, 20 September, to begin preparations for the opening qualifier against Guinea.
Bafana Bafana’s 30-man squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Samukele Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Brooklyn Poggenpoel
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews, Themba Zwane, Yanela Mbuthuma, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell
Bafana’s road to AFCON 2027 begins
The qualifiers will determine Bafana’s route to Pamoja 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
The tournament will be the first AFCON co-hosted by three countries and will see the competition return to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed the announcement of Mosimane’s first squad.
“We were all looking forward to our first team to be announced (by Coach Mosimane). It will be the first time that three countries will co-host AFCON, and also the first time that the continental tournament will be held in East Africa since Ethiopia hosted the event in 1976. We are looking forward to going to Pamoja 2027,” Jordaan said.
Mosimane now has little time to settle his squad before his first competitive match since returning to the Bafana dugout.
Bafana Bafana’s upcoming fixtures
South Africa vs Guinea: Saturday, 26 September 2026, Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
Eritrea vs South Africa: Wednesday, 30 September 2026, Al-Salam Stadium, Cairo
Egypt vs South Africa: Sunday, 4 October 2026, Cairo International Stadium, friendly
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