Pitso Mosimane has announced a preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for November’s decisive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.
The two nations will meet twice as the qualifying campaign continues, with the first game scheduled for 13 November at Orlando Stadium, where kick-off is set for 18:00. The second fixture will be played on 17 November, although the details have yet to be confirmed.
The squad was announced on 23 October, with the list confirmed by the South African Football Association (SAFA).
The squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Thakasani Mbanjwa.
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Nkosikhona Radebe, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aden McCarthy.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Thalente Mbatha, Luke le Roux.
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Devin Titus, Lyle Foster, Boitumelo Radiopane, Nqaba Xulu, Tshepang Moremi, Puso Dithejane.
Williams is expected to retain his position in goal on home soil, having established himself as Mosimane’s first choice.
Ime Okon strengthened his claim at left-back after starting against Guinea and Eritrea in the qualifiers, as well as Egypt in a friendly. Olwethu Makhanya began both qualifying matches and is therefore expected to start ahead of the returning Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Aubrey Modiba is tipped to begin on the other side of the defence, with Samukele Kabini potentially among the substitutes. The right-back position remains the main selection concern after Sebelebele underwent meniscus surgery and is expected to be out for six weeks, according to Afrik-Foot. Thabang Matuludi is the most likely replacement.
In midfield, Mosimane is expected to continue with the established pairing of Sphephelo Sithole and Bathusi Aubaas. Teboho Mokoena will miss Sundowns’ match against Durban City and is racing to be fit for international duty.
Should Mosimane retain a 4-2-3-1 formation, Relebohile Mofokeng could operate alongside Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko in the attacking positions.
Iqraam Rayners ended his scoring drought, but the expected return of Lyle Foster is set to increase competition for the central striking role.
The predicted line-up is: Williams; Modiba, Okon, Makhanya, Matuludi; Sithole, Aubaas; Mofokeng, Maseko, Appollis; Rayners.
