Pitso Mosimane Names Final 30-Man Bafana Bafana Squad for Afcon 2027 Qualifiers
- Pitso Mosimane trimmed his preliminary 35-man group to 30 players for three upcoming fixtures in September and October
- Five players, including Lyle Foster and Tshepang Moremi, did not make the final cut despite being in the preliminary squad
- Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe retained his place alongside several players earning their first call-up under Mosimane
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Twitter
SOUTH AFRICA — Pitso Mosimane has confirmed his final 30-man Bafana Bafana squad for two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and an international friendly, trimming five players from the preliminary group of 35 announced earlier this month.
South Africa open their campaign on 26 September, hosting Guinea at Orlando Stadium. The squad then travels to Cairo to face Eritrea in an away qualifier on 30 September, before remaining in Egypt to take on the host nation in a friendly on 4 October.
SAFA shared the 30-man Bafana Bafana squad in a post on X.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Five players miss the cut
Lyle Foster is the most prominent name to fall away from the final selection. Cemran Dansin, Tshepo Mashiloane, Ronaldo van Neel and Tshepang Moremi also did not make the grade. Moremi's exclusion draws particular attention, given that the Orlando Pirates winger had only just returned to training ahead of the announcement, suggesting Mosimane chose not to risk his fitness.
Mosimane has retained the core group that represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also opening the door to new talent.
Full squad breakdown
Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss have been named as the three goalkeepers.
The defensive unit features Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Samukele Kabini, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
In midfield, Teboho Mokoena keeps his place alongside Kaizer Chiefs man Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
The attacking options include Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell.
Maboe's inclusion is one of the more talked-about selections. The midfielder previously worked under Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns and has hit the ground running since joining Kaizer Chiefs, making him one of the standout names in a squad that blends experience with emerging talent.
Orlando Stadium confirmed for Mosimane’s Bafana return
Briefly News previously reported that SAFA had confirmed Orlando Stadium as the venue for Pitso Mosimane’s first competitive match back in charge of Bafana Bafana.
South Africa will host Guinea in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier on 26 September 2026, with tickets already on sale ahead of the fixture. SAFA president Danny Jordaan encouraged supporters to attend.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
