Pitso Mosimane’s expected first Bafana Bafana starting 11 vs Guinea

Bafana Bafana will host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 26 September at 18:00. The team will then travel to Cairo for the away qualifier against Eritrea on 30 September.

Mosimane’s side will remain in Egypt before facing the hosts in an international friendly on 4 October.

With the 30-man squad announced on Thursday, there is now a clearer picture of how Mosimane could set up for his first competitive match back in charge.

PITSO MOSIMANE EXPECTED TO KEEP CHANGES TO A MINIMUM

Mosimane has already indicated that he does not intend to make major changes to the team he inherited from former coach Hugo Broos.

The Kagiso-born coach suggested that he could be “sweeping with a big broom”, but his comments also pointed towards a measured approach with the squad.

Bafana Bafana are coming off a FIFA World Cup campaign in which they faced higher-ranked opposition, including Czech Republic, South Korea and Canada.

Mosimane is therefore expected to trust the core of the team while making changes where injuries have forced his hand.

Two key defenders, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau, are unavailable due to injury.

Rangers FC defender Olwethu Makhanya is expected to come into the starting lineup, while Orlando Pirates right-back Kamogelo Sebelebele could replace Mudau.

EXPECTED BAFANA BAFANA LINEUP AGAINST GUINEA

• Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
• Right-back: Kamogelo Sebelebele
• Centre-back: Olwethu Makhanya
• Centre-back: Ime Okon
• Left-back: Aubrey Modiba
• Midfielder: Sphephelo Sithole
• Midfielder: Teboho Mokoena
• Attacking midfielder: Relebohile Mofokeng
• Left winger: Oswin Appollis
• Right winger: Thapelo Maseko
• Striker: Iqraam Rayners

NEW FACES COULD GET THEIR CHANCE AGAINST EGYPT

There are several exciting new faces and returning players in Mosimane’s squad.

Fawaaz Basadien, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebone Seema, Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell are among the players who could make an impact during the camp.

However, Mosimane could take a gradual approach with the new additions. The Guinea and Eritrea matches are crucial AFCON qualifiers, making experience particularly important.

The friendly against Egypt could provide the coach with an opportunity to rotate the squad and assess some of the new faces.

For the opening qualifiers, Mosimane is expected to rely heavily on the experienced players who already understand the demands of international football.

AFCON 2027 QUALIFICATION ROUTE FOR BAFANA BAFANA

Bafana Bafana face a unique qualification route as they battle for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

South Africa have been drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. Under the normal CAF qualification format, the top two teams in each group secure places at the tournament.

However, Kenya are one of the three official co-hosts of AFCON 2027, alongside Tanzania and Uganda. They have therefore already secured their place at the tournament.

ONE QUALIFICATION SPOT UP FOR GRABS

Kenya’s presence creates an unusual situation in Group D. Their results will still form part of the group standings, but their automatic qualification means only one other team from the group can qualify.

This effectively leaves Bafana Bafana and Guinea competing for the group’s remaining qualification spot, with Eritrea also part of the group standings.

South Africa will need to collect as many points as possible across the six matchdays. Every result could prove crucial in determining which eligible team finishes highest in the group.

MOSIMANE FACES HIGH STAKES

Pitso Mosimane begins his second spell as Bafana Bafana coach with the AFCON qualification campaign already carrying significant importance.

His first two competitive matches will come against Guinea and Eritrea. Bafana Bafana host Guinea on 26 September before travelling to face Eritrea on 30 September.

The objective is straightforward. South Africa need to finish as the highest-ranked eligible team in Group D to secure their place at AFCON 2027.

With Kenya already guaranteed a place as co-hosts, there is little room for dropped points against the other teams in the group.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT?

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