New South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane has unveiled his first Bafana Bafana squad, only days after taking charge of the senior men’s national team, as preparations intensify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Mosimane was appointed on Tuesday, succeeding Belgian coach Hugo Broos, and has moved swiftly to assemble a squad for South Africa’s opening qualifying fixtures later this month. His first competitive matches in charge will mark the beginning of the country’s bid to secure a place at the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa will begin their qualifying campaign at home against Guinea on 26 September 2026 before travelling to face Eritrea four days later in their second group match. The team will then conclude the international window with an away friendly against Egypt on 4 October 2026.
The squad reflects continuity following South Africa’s impressive showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana progressed to the second round of the tournament held across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Mosimane has opted to keep the majority of that World Cup group, signalling confidence in the players who helped the nation reach the knockout stages on the global stage.
However, several familiar faces have been left out because of injury. A number of players who featured at the World Cup are unavailable, making them notable absentees from Mosimane’s preliminary selection as he begins his tenure.
The upcoming fixtures will also carry emotional significance for the national side. They will be Bafana Bafana’s first matches since the death of Jayden Adams, who was laid to rest in Stellenbosch in July 2026. His absence marks a poignant moment for the team as they enter a new era under a new coach.
Alongside experienced internationals, Mosimane has also acknowledged the country’s emerging talent. Several players included in the senior squad are also eligible for South Africa’s Under-23 side, which is expected to be announced by coach Raymond Mdaka in the coming weeks.
The collaboration between the senior and youth national teams appears to be a central part of South Africa’s long-term planning. According to the national setup, Mosimane, Mdaka and members of the technical department remain in regular discussions as they work together on the future direction of South African football.
That coordinated approach is intended to ensure promising young players can transition smoothly between age-group football and the senior national team, while maintaining consistency in player development across the national programme.
For Mosimane, the September international window represents an immediate opportunity to make his mark. With World Cup momentum still fresh and AFCON qualification now the priority, the experienced coach begins his reign with a squad that blends established performers with the next generation of South African talent.
Bafana Bafana will hope that combination provides a winning start when they welcome Guinea before embarking on consecutive away fixtures against Eritrea and Egypt.
