Pitso Mosimane announces final Bafana Bafana squad

The coach has reduced his original 35-man preliminary squad to 30 players. The final selection will be used for two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and an international friendly.

Mosimane returns to competitive action with Bafana Bafana on 26 September. South Africa will host Guinea at Orlando Stadium.

The team will then travel to Cairo for the away qualifier against Eritrea on 30 September. Bafana Bafana will remain in Egypt before facing the hosts in an international friendly on 4 October.

Mosimane has kept the core of the team that represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also giving several new faces an opportunity.

WHO MADE MOSIMANE’S FINAL BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD?

Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss have been selected as the three goalkeepers. The defence includes Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya and Khulumani Ndamane are also included. Mosimane has also selected Ime Okon, Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

In midfield, Teboho Mokoena remains part of the squad. Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe also keeps his place. Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel complete the midfield options.

The forward department contains several familiar names. Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula and Oswin Appollis are included.

Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane and Tashreeq Matthews have also made the cut. Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell complete the attacking options.

WHO MISSED OUT FROM THE 35?

Mosimane had 35 players to choose from when he announced his preliminary squad earlier this month. The final selection has seen five players drop out.

Cemran Dansin has missed the final squad after making the preliminary selection. Tshepo Mashiloane has also been left out.

Lyle Foster is another notable omission from the final list. Ronaldo van Neel and Tshepang Moremi have also failed to make the 30-man squad. Moremi’s situation was particularly interesting after the Orlando Pirates winger returned to training this week.

The final selection therefore confirms that Mosimane has decided not to take the risk with Moremi for this international window.

Lebohang Maboe is one of the biggest talking points from the final squad. The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was included in Mosimane’s preliminary selection. He has now retained his place in the final group.

Maboe has enjoyed a strong start to his Kaizer Chiefs career. He has also worked with Mosimane previously during their time at Mamelodi Sundowns.

His inclusion gives Kaizer Chiefs representation in the new Bafana Bafana era.

There are also several players receiving an opportunity under Mosimane. Tashreeq Matthews, Lebone Seema, Cassius Mailula and Yanela Mbuthuma are among the names attracting attention.

FIXTURES

South Africa face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on 26 September. It will be Mosimane’s first competitive match since returning as head coach.

Four days later, Bafana Bafana face Eritrea in Cairo.

The final assignment of the international window comes against Egypt on 4 October. That match will give Mosimane another opportunity to assess his squad against strong opposition.

GOALKEEPERS

• Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates
• Ricardo Goss, Mamelodi Sundowns

DEFENDERS

• Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Samukele Kabini, Molde FK
• Fawaaz Basadien, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Kamogelo Sebelebele, Orlando Pirates
• Thapelo Morena, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thabang Matuludi, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Olwethu Makhanya, Rangers FC
• Khulumani Ndamane, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Ime Okon, Hannover 96
• Lebone Seema, Orlando Pirates
• Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates

MIDFIELDERS

• Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Lebohang Maboe, Kaizer Chiefs
• Sphephelo Sithole, CD Tondela
• Bathusi Aubaas, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Durban City

FORWARDS

• Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates
• Cassius Mailula, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates
• Puso Dithejane, Chicago Fire
• Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Relebohile Mofokeng, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
• Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thapelo Maseko, FC Copenhagen
• Luther Singh, AEL Limassol
• Shandre Campbell, KV Kortrijk