Pitso Mosimane has officially launched his second stint in charge of South Africa by naming an extensive preliminary squad for the upcoming opening fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
The announcement comes just days after the veteran tactician was unveiled by the South African Football Association, signaling a swift transition into competitive action as the country looks to book its spot in the continental showpiece. Mosimane takes over a national team riding a wave of relative stability, inheriting a structurally sound group following the departure of Hugo Broos, who vacated his post after guiding Bafana Bafana deep into the knockout stages of the recent FIFA World Cup.
The newly appointed head coach faces an immediate test of his depth and tactical adaptability, as injury concerns have already forced his hand in several key departments. Regular defensive anchor Khuliso Mudau and primary forward Evidence Makgopa are both sidelined with ailments, prompting Mosimane to look toward domestic standouts to fill the void. Among the notable inclusions in this initial training pool is Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe, whose return to the national setup represents a major opportunity. Maboe expressed immense optimism regarding the managerial appointment, noting that Mosimane possesses an intimate, peerless understanding of the local top flight and its talent pool, which should facilitate a smooth transition for the squad.
South Africa is scheduled to open its Group D qualification campaign on home soil when they play host to Guinea on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The technical team will then navigate a quick turnaround and significant travel logistics for the second match against Eritrea on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, a fixture expected to take place at a neutral venue in Egypt due to stadium compliance standards.
To maximize his time with the group and properly evaluate the fringes of his roster, Mosimane has also secured a high-profile international friendly against Egypt in Cairo on 4 October 2026. This third fixture will serve as a crucial experimental platform, allowing the coaching staff to test alternative tactical shapes and integrate new faces before narrowing down the core selection for the remainder of the qualifying cycle.
The primary players included in the preliminary selection pool are:
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates FC
- Ricardo Goss – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Defenders
- Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Samukele Kabini – Molde FK (Norway)
- Fawaaz Basadien – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Kamogelo Sebelebele – Orlando Pirates FC
- Thapelo Morena – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City FC
- Olwethu Makhanya – Rangers FC (Scotland)
- Khulumani Ndamane – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Ime Okon – Hannover 96 (Germany)
- Lebone Seema – Orlando Pirates FC
- Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates FC
- Tshepo Mashiloane – Sekhukhune United FC
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Lebohang Maboe – Kaizer Chiefs FC
- Cemran Dansin – Orlando Pirates FC
- Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)
- Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Brooklyn Poggenpoel – Durban City FC
Forwards
- Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Yanela Mbuthuma – Orlando Pirates FC
- Lyle Foster – Houston Dynamo (USA)
- Cassius Mailula – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates FC
- Puso Dithejane – Chicago Fire (USA)
- Tashreeq Matthews – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Relebohile Mofokeng – Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)
- Themba Zwane – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Ronaldo Van Neel – Golden Arrows FC
- Thapelo Maseko – FC Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Tshepang Moremi – Orlando Pirates FC
- Luther Singh – AEL Limassol (Cyprus)
- Shandre Campbell – KV Kortrijk (Belgium)