Pitso Mosimane Names 35-Man Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
- Pitso Mosimane has finally revealed his first Bafana Bafana squad, with his opening selection offering plenty for supporters to discuss
- The new Bafana coach has made some interesting calls ahead of his first competitive fixtures, but one detail could attract attention
- Mosimane’s 35-man squad contains several familiar names alongside fresh faces, setting up an intriguing start to his Bafana tenure
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Pitso Mosimane has named his first preliminary Bafana Bafana squad since replacing Hugo Broos, and there is an immediate sense of familiarity in his selection. The new coach has retained most of the group that represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while adding several players that offer an early glimpse into his thinking.
The 35-man squad was announced on Friday, 4 September 2026, with Bafana Bafana preparing for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. South Africa will also face Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo on 4 October.
That balance between continuity and change is perhaps the most notable feature of Mosimane’s first selection. He has not discarded the foundation built under Broos, but enough new names and recalls suggest opportunities will be available under the new coach.
Pitso Mosimane keeps Bafana Bafana’s World Cup core
Twenty players from South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad have survived the coaching change. Bradley Cross, Khuliso Mudau, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa are the notable absentees, with all 4 currently sidelined by injury.
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Mosimane has also retained Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss as his goalkeeping options. That is significant because it means there is no immediate attempt to disrupt the established structure.
However, the coach has added 6 uncapped players: Lebone Seema, Cemran Dansin, Ronaldo van Neel, Puso Dithejane, Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepo Mashiloane.
Luther Singh has also returned to the squad, while Cassius Mailula has been brought back into the national-team picture.
New Bafana Bafana faces change the picture
The selections suggest Mosimane has looked beyond simply preserving Broos’ squad.
Fawaaz Basadien is included after establishing himself as a versatile option, while Orlando Pirates players Cemran Dansin and Yanela Mbuthuma receive opportunities alongside established names such as Relebohile Mofokeng.
The full preliminary squad is:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebogang, Cemran Dansin, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Lyle Foster, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Ronaldo van Neel, Thapelo Maseko, Tshepang Moremi, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell
Kaizer Chiefs have just one Bafana representative
Kaizer Chiefs’ limited representation is another notable feature. Lebohang Maboe is the only Amakhosi player selected.
Cross, the club’s sole representative at the World Cup, is unavailable through injury. Maboe, meanwhile, was not part of the World Cup group and now has another opportunity under Mosimane.
The official Bafana Bafana announcement confirmed that South Africa will host Guinea on 26 September before travelling to face Eritrea on 30 September. Egypt then provide the opposition in Cairo on 4 October.
Mosimane’s first squad therefore looks more like an adjustment than a revolution. The results, tactical setup and final selection will ultimately show whether his Bafana team develops into something substantially different from Broos’.
Pitso Mosimane’s long-term Bafana Bafana vision
Briefly News previously reported that Pitso Mosimane’s return to Bafana Bafana could involve much more than preparing the team for major tournaments.
The coach has outlined plans to build on the foundation established under Hugo Broos, while improving the pathway for younger players to reach the senior national team.
He also stressed that the national team’s responsibility extends beyond AFCON and the World Cup.
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Source: Briefly News
