Chicago Fire centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad for November’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.
Coach Pitso Mosimane named a 27-player squad on Thursday, bringing Mbokazi back into the national team after his impressive performance at the 2026 World Cup in June. The defender will make his first appearance for Bafana since that tournament when South Africa face Kenya home and away.
Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyanda Ndlovu is another significant addition. The skilful forward was not included in the preliminary squad announced on October 23, but his form for the Brazilians has earned him a place in Mosimane’s final selection.
There is no place, however, for Sundowns’ experienced midfielder Themba Zwane. The veteran has been struggling to secure regular playing time at club level.
Mbokazi was absent from Mosimane’s first camp since returning as Bafana coach in September and early October. South Africa began their Group D Afcon qualifying campaign during that period with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium.
They then defeated Eritrea 5-0 in a match played in neutral Cairo before remaining in the Egyptian capital to beat Egypt 1-0 in a friendly.
Mosimane’s latest squad also includes two Sundowns players whose fitness could be a concern. Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, along with influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena, have both missed recent matches for their club.
South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Stadium on November 13 before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium on November 17.
Kenya will co-host the 2027 Afcon with Uganda and Tanzania and have already secured automatic qualification as part of the tournament’s host nations. That means only one other team from Group D will qualify for the competition.
South Africa currently lead the group with six points after their opening victories. Guinea are second on three points, while Kenya sit third with one point. Eritrea are bottom, also with one point, but trail Kenya on goal difference.
With two meetings against Kenya scheduled for November, Bafana will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the group while Mosimane assesses the returning Mbokazi and new inclusion Ndlovu.
