South Africa’s national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, takes a fresh step toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after new head coach Pitso Mosimane released his inaugural Afcon qualifiers squad. The 30‑man roster, announced on September 17, blends youthful vigor with proven experience, signalling Mosimane’s intent to revive the team’s fortunes on the continental stage.
Mosimane’s second chapter with Bafana Bafana
This appointment marks Mosimane’s return to the senior national side after his first spell between 2010 and 2012. Since then, he has amassed an enviable résumé: winning the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016 and guiding Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly to back‑to‑back titles in 2020 and 2021. His tactical acumen and ability to nurture talent earned him a reputation as one of Africa’s most successful club managers, making his selection as Bafana’s mentor a logical step for the South African Football Association.
Squad composition: a blend of home‑grown talent and overseas experience
The 30‑man list features a mix of domestic league stand‑outs and players plying their trade abroad. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams returns as the first‑choice custodian after solid performances for Mamelodi Sundowns, while Ricardo Goss brings Premier League experience from his stint with Blackpool FC.
In defence, the likes of Aubrey Modiba and Samukele Kabini provide stability, while younger prospects such as Fawaaz Basadien and Lebone Seema have earned their spots through impressive displays in the South African Premier Division. Midfield options include seasoned campaigner Lebohang Maboe alongside emerging talents Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Sphephelo Sithole, all of whom have shown versatility across multiple roles.
Up front, the attacking line‑up is perhaps the most intriguing. Yanela Mbuthuma and Cassius Mailula, both 19‑year‑olds, have already attracted interest from European scouts after prolific seasons with their respective clubs. Their inclusion mirrors Mosimore’s commitment to fast‑tracking promising forwards into the senior set‑up. Established internationals Luther Singh and Tashreeq Matthews add experience and a proven goal‑scoring record, while Shandre Campbell offers a physical presence that could trouble opposition defences.
For a full breakdown of the roster, see the TimesLIVE report on Mosimane’s squad announcement.
Upcoming fixtures: the road to AFCON 2027
Bafana Bafana’s campaign kicks off with an AFCON 2027 qualifier against Guinea on Saturday, 26 September, at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. The match will test Mosimane’s tactical set‑up against a disciplined West African side that finished third in their 2025 AFCON group.
Four days later, South Africa travels to Egypt to face Eritrea in a second qualifier. The choice of Egypt as a neutral venue reflects CAF’s ongoing efforts to streamline logistics for the qualifying phase, especially for nations with limited infrastructure.
Following the qualifiers, Bafana will close the international window with a high‑profile friendly against the host nation Egypt on 4 October at Cairo International Stadium. The fixture offers a chance to gauge the squad’s readiness against a world‑class opponent and to fine‑tune the starting eleven before the decisive matches.
Why the 2027 AFCON matters for South Africa
The 2027 tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania – a first for the continent. For South Africa, securing a berth is crucial not only for sporting prestige but also for financial incentives tied to CAF’s prize‑money distribution. Moreover, a strong showing could rejuvenate domestic interest in the sport, which has faced declining attendances and sponsorship challenges in recent years.
Historically, Bafana Bafana has won the AFCON once, in 1996, and reached the final in 1998. However, the team has struggled to replicate that success in the 21st century, missing out on the 2021 and 2023 editions. Mosimane’s appointment and his carefully curated squad aim to reverse that trend.
Beyond football: a brief note on national headlines
While the nation focuses on the upcoming qualifiers, other news stories continue to capture public attention. For instance, recent reports about Kempton Park murder suspect rumours have been officially dismissed by police, underscoring the importance of verifying information before it spreads.
With a blend of seasoned professionals and hungry youngsters, Mosimane’s Afcon qualifiers squad is poised to make a statement. The next few weeks will reveal whether the new direction can deliver the coveted ticket to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and restore Bafana Bafana’s standing on the continental stage.
