Pitso Mosimane Names 38-Man Bafana Squad for Kenya Qualifiers as New Faces Feature

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has reportedly selected 38 players for consideration ahead of South Africa’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying matches against Kenya in November.

The preliminary selection gives Mosimane a broad group of options as he continues shaping the national team following his return to the coaching position. The final squad is expected to be smaller, meaning those included in the provisional list will still need to secure their places for the qualifiers.

Several familiar names feature in the selection, including captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Orlando Pirates forward Oswin Appollis, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane and striker Iqraam Rayners.

Other players listed include Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena, Cassius Mailula and Luther Singh. The group also features younger players and footballers based abroad, reflecting the range of options available to the coach.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are among the clubs represented, alongside players attached to teams in Europe and the United States. These include Sphephelo Sithole of Portugal’s Tondela, Ime Okon of Germany’s Hannover 96, Luke Le Roux of Belgium’s Cercle Brugge and Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire in the United States.

The selection also includes Brooklyn Poggenpoel of Durban City, Lebone Seema of Orlando Pirates and Puso Dithejane of Chicago Fire, players who have attracted attention during Mosimane’s rebuilding of the national team.

Mosimane’s return to Bafana Bafana was announced in September 2026, ahead of the country’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. The coach has previously managed the national side and enjoyed considerable success at club level, including winning the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.

The upcoming qualifiers will be important for South Africa’s efforts to secure a place at the continental tournament. Kenya are co-hosts of AFCON 2027, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, and their place at the finals affects the qualification pathway in their group.

For now, the 38-man list represents a preliminary selection rather than the final matchday squad. Attention will turn to which players make the cut as Mosimane prepares Bafana Bafana for the November fixtures.

Source: https://x.com/mickyjnr__/status/2113689619086606464?s=46

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