Pitso Mosimane faces Bafana Bafana selection decisions: four players need replacing

Pitso Mosimane named a 35-man preliminary squad earlier this month. Injuries ruled out Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Khuliso Mudau and Evidence Makgopa.

The coach must therefore find replacements for at least two important players before revealing his final squad.

There is also a fifth absentee possibility: Tshepang Moremi. The Orlando Pirates winger has not played since he was named in the provisional squad due to injury.

He resumed full training this week, and therefore remains a doubt.

WHO WILL PITSO MOSIMANE PICK TO REPLACE THE FOUR OR FIVE ABSENTEES?

Mbokazi and Mudau are major losses for Mosimane, particularly with the coach already facing selection questions in defence.

Mbokazi has established himself as an important Bafana Bafana defender, while Mudau has been a regular option at right back. Mosimane will therefore need to use the final squad announcement to reveal which players have earned their opportunity to replace the injured pair.

The absence of Mbatha adds another selection issue in midfield.

Mosimane’s first Bafana Bafana squad is will look different with at least four players needing to be replaced.

WHAT AWAITS THE NEW COACH?

Bafana Bafana will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign on Saturday, 26 September, when they host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena.

South Africa will then travel to Cairo for their designated away fixture against Eritrea at Al-Salam Stadium on Wednesday, 30 September.

The team will remain in Egypt before facing the hosts in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October. Mosimane therefore has three matches to begin his second tenure, making today’s squad announcement particularly important.

The final 23 will reveal how he has responded to the injuries and fitness concerns surrounding his preliminary selection.

THE PRELIMINARY SQUAD TO BE CUT

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss.

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tshepho Mashiloane

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, 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.

WHO WON’T MAKE MOSIMANE’S FINAL SQUAD?

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