South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his first squad since taking charge of the “Bafana Bafana”, with Luther Singh recalled for the country’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Mosimane has selected a squad of 35 players for the upcoming international window, which will see South Africa begin their campaign to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations.
The squad includes established figures such as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, captain Themba Zwane, forward Iqraam Rayners and Oswin Appollis.
One of the notable inclusions is winger Luther Singh, who returns to the national team after being absent since 2021.
Singh’s recall comes as Mosimane prepares his side for a demanding international period that will include two competitive matches before a friendly against Egypt.
South Africa will open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Guinea on 26 September before travelling to face Eritrea four days later on 30 September.
The team will then remain in Egypt for a friendly against the hosts on 4 October at the Cairo International Stadium.
The three fixtures will provide Mosimane with his first opportunity to work with the newly selected group during an international window.
The South African coach has included players across the goalkeeping, defensive, midfield and attacking departments as he begins preparations for the qualifying campaign.
The goalkeeping options are Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss.
In defence, Mosimane has selected Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
The midfield group consists of Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
Up front, Mosimane has called up Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh and Shandre Campbell.
The selection gives particular attention to a mixture of experienced international players and younger members of the squad.
Williams, Mokoena and Zwane are among the senior names included, while players such as Mofokeng, Campbell and Mailula are also part of the group preparing for the international fixtures.
Singh’s return is one of the clearest talking points from the selection. The winger had not featured for South Africa since 2021 but has now been brought back into the national set-up under Mosimane.
The first two matches will carry competitive importance as South Africa begin their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Their opening fixture against Guinea is scheduled for 26 September, with Eritrea providing the opposition four days later.
The meeting with Egypt will then give Mosimane an opportunity to assess his squad in a friendly environment before the players return to their clubs.
