Pitso Mosimane Reportedly Names 38 Players in Bafana Bafana’s Provisional AFCON Squad

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has reportedly selected 38 players for a provisional squad as South Africa prepares for its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying matches against Kenya in November.

The preliminary selection gives Mosimane several options as he continues assessing the players who could help strengthen the national team. However, the list is not final, and the selected players will still have to compete for places in the smaller squad expected to feature in the upcoming fixtures.

Several familiar names are reportedly included, among them Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane and striker Iqraam Rayners.

Other players said to be under consideration include Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena, Cassius Mailula and Luther Singh. The reported selection brings together experienced internationals and younger talents, giving Mosimane an opportunity to assess different options ahead of the qualifiers.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are among the clubs with players reportedly represented in the provisional squad. The selection also includes South African footballers playing abroad, allowing the coach to consider talent gaining experience in different leagues.

These players reportedly 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, who plays for Chicago Fire in the United States.

Brooklyn Poggenpoel of Durban City, Lebone Seema of Orlando Pirates and Puso Dithejane of Chicago Fire are also mentioned among the players reportedly being considered.

Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana coaching position was announced in September 2026 as South Africa prepared for the AFCON qualifying campaign. He previously coached the national team and later achieved major success at club level, including winning the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s Al Ahly.

The November fixtures are expected to be important for South Africa’s qualification ambitions. Kenya, together with Uganda and Tanzania, is set to co-host AFCON 2027, adding further significance to the qualifying arrangements involving the participating nations.

Although the reported 38-player selection offers an indication of the options Mosimane may be considering, the final squad and matchday selections will determine which players ultimately feature for Bafana Bafana.

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

SAlatest23 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com