When could Pitso name Bafana Bafana XI for Guinea clash in Soweto?

When can we expect to see Pitso Mosimane’s vision for Bafana Bafana taking shape?

This is the big question ahead of the clash with Guinea on 26 September at the Orlando Stadium.

Later this month, South Africa welcome the visitors to Soweto for the first match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

When could Mosimane announce his Bafana Bafana XI, and what history does the venue hold for the team?

Counting down to team announcement

The veteran coach has hit the ground running after replacing Hugo Broos, naming his preliminary squad only days later.

More announcements are expected “in the coming days”, according to the South African Football Association (SAFA) website.

With preparations already underway, when could we reasonably expect Mosimane to name his first playing XI?

• Training camp opens: The team will likely assemble in Johannesburg a few days before kick-off. The camp will probably open around 21 September.
• Starting XI announcement: Based on SAFA’s preference, the matchday team will likely be announced the night before or on the day of the match. This means we could have an official team sheet late on 25 September or early on 26 September.

The match kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Morena Ramoreboli, who was part of the Bafana Bafana technical team during their COSAFA Cup success in 2021, has since joined Mosimane’s backroom.

Bafana Bafana’s legacy at the Orlando Stadium

Meanwhile, selecting the Orlando Stadium may be more than a logistical decision.

Bafana Bafana usually plays big home games at the FNB Stadium, Moses Mabhida, or Loftus Versfeld.

Choosing to host Guinea in Soweto could be to create a strong home atmosphere for Mosimane’s first game in charge.

However, the team and the new coach will also be aware of the history riding on this venue.

In May, with Broos still at the helm, South Africa and Nicaragua played to a goalless draw, as confirmed by the SAFA website.

Another notable result was Bafana Bafana defeating Senegal 1-0 during the 2015 Nelson Mandela Challenge in Soweto.

The Orlando Stadium is mostly known as a domestic battleground, and sometimes a site for continental action.

Mosimane may actually draw on this parallel for the upcoming game.

He takes charge of a Bafana Bafana looking to reset, and a high-energy crowd could be the spark the team – and its new coach – needs.

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