Photo of Zintle Mdaka

Pitso Mosimane announces Bafana Bafana squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya.

Also see: Bafana Bafana’s global surge into FIFA Top 50 reignites national pride

South Africa are preparing for two meetings with the Harambee Stars, coached by former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy. The first match is scheduled for Friday, 13 November 2026, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, 17 November.

27-Man squad for the Kenya double-header

The selection includes a combination of experienced internationals, locally based players and South Africans competing abroad.

Goalkeepers

  • Ronwen Williams
  • Sipho Chaine
  • Ricardo Goss

Defenders

  • Aubrey Modiba
  • Samukele Kabini
  • Fawaaz Basadien
  • Thapelo Morena
  • Thabang Matuludi
  • Olwethu Makhanya
  • Ime Okon
  • Lebone Seema
  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Midfielders

  • Teboho Mokoena
  • Thalente Mbatha
  • Sphephelo Sithole
  • Bathusi Aubaas
  • Brooklyn Poggenpoel

Also see: Bafana Bafana vs Egypt: 3 Egyptian players to watch

Forwards

  • Iqraam Rayners
  • Lyle Foster
  • Cassius Mailula
  • Oswin Appollis
  • Puso Dithejane
  • Tashreeq Matthews
  • Relebohile Mofokeng
  • Luther Singh
  • Tshepang Moremi
  • Siyanda Ndlovu

Siyanda Ndlovu earns recognition

One of the notable inclusions is Mamelodi Sundowns youngster Siyanda, who has received a call-up to the senior national team.

According to reports, Pitso explained that the selection forms part of the national team’s longer-term vision, with an emphasis on recognising players’ contributions and encouraging their development.

The squad also includes Lyle Foster, Thalente Mbatha and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who are among the players returning to the national team after missing the opening round of qualifiers, according to SABC Sport.

Bafana Bafana prepare for Kenya challenge

Bafana Bafana will host Kenya in the first encounter on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Nairobi for the return match on Tuesday, 17 November.

The double-header will see Pitso come up against Benni, who previously represented South Africa as a striker and is now in charge of the Kenyan national team.

South Africa will be aiming to collect important points from the two fixtures as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Featured image: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu

Also see: Late Bafana Bafana player Jaden Adams remembered at Ballon d’Or ceremony

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!

How to elevate your festive meals

There are many ways to prepare a meal, and the same creativity can be brought to the country’s favourite festive dishes during the holiday season. The table doesn’t need to lose its colours in the pursuit of something different. Also see: 5 Simple ways to reduce food waste in the kitchen Here are a few ways […]

Read more...

Enoch Godongwana R10bn fuel relief disappoints as petrol price drops by 1 cent

South African motorists will see almost no relief in petrol prices despite Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s R10-billion fuel levy intervention, with petrol prices dropping by just one cent per litre in November. Also see: Multiple petrol stations run out of diesel across South Africa The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced on Tuesday that […]

Read more...

Rand under pressure as elections and US trade tensions fuel market uncertainty

South Africa’s rand is facing renewed uncertainty as investors brace for the outcome of local government elections and assess the economic implications of the country’s planned exclusion from a key United States trade agreement. Also see: 11 tips to take control of money and reduce the worry The currency was trading at around R16.62 against the […]

Read more...