The era of the new Bafana Bafana national team under coach Pitso Mosimane is being shaped by a combination of continuity and fresh talent. The preliminary squad for the two qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as for a friendly match next month, includes both familiar and new faces.
Since the regular players have already demonstrated their individual and collective abilities, leading the team to the FIFA World Cup playoffs, attention is focused on what contribution newcomers and returning players can make if they make the final list.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane announced the preliminary squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which will take place against Guinea and Eritrea this month. Additionally, South Africa will play a friendly away match against Egypt on October 4, 2026.
Yanela Mbutuma
Mbutuma is a forward capable of playing both in midfield and in attack. He knows how to hold the ball, create opportunities for teammates, and finish attacks in the penalty area. In the last two matches, he has shown great dynamism, helping the team with assists after counterattacks.
Cemran Dansin
Dansin is a creative midfielder who excels at finding open spaces, ensuring smooth play in the center of the pitch. He easily controls the pace of the match and possesses the ability to score goals, having won the 'Betway Premiership Goal of the Season' award last season.
Tshepo Mashiloane
Mashiloane confidently controls the ball and can move quickly down the flank as a left-back. He regularly occupies the right positions to support the attack and poses a threat from the air due to his height.
Puso Dithejane
Dithejane is an effective winger who moves easily up and down the flank. Having significantly improved his game with Chicago Fire this season, he skillfully delivers passes, finds the right zones, and is capable of both scoring and creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Shandre Campbell
Campbell, a naturally dynamic winger, has demonstrated an impeccable ability to beat defenders and score from distance, especially when entering the zone with his skillful left-footed shot. He also provides tactical flexibility as he can play in multiple positions.
Lebone Seema
Seema was named the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season last season. He was awarded for his ability to read the game, timely tackles, accurate diagonal passes, and providing defensive leadership.
Tashreeq Matthews
Matthews demonstrates a mature approach to the game. He runs between lines, accurately finds teammates, and has a talent for scoring goals. His lean physique makes him relatively fast both while in possession and out of it.
Ronaldo Van Neel
Van Neel is characterized by his speed and can easily outrun defenders, giving his teammates a wide range of attacking options. He also uses deceptive tricks that allow him to eliminate opponents and find open space.
Lebohang Maboe
Maboe is a midfield master. He serves as a vital link between defense and attack, using a precise range of passes both short and long. He recently scored his first goal of the season for Kaizer Chiefs, which should boost his confidence.
Luther Singh
Singh is a very dynamic player. He can operate in various attacking positions, making his strengths unpredictable for opponents. He shows a constant drive to score, which could be a valuable asset for the team.
Fawaaz Basadien
Basadien is an effective left-back. He is capable of advancing rapidly, and his flawless footwork allows him to connect passes. His ability to use open spaces also makes him dangerous in attack.
Cassius Mailula
Mailula is fantastic with the ball. He glides past defenders with incredible ease and brilliance, and he knows how to utilize open areas. He has an appetite for goals, as he can score both from close and long range.
Brooklyn Poggenpoel
Poggenpoel is good at holding the midfield. He controls the tempo of the game and can easily help in defense. Thanks to his skills in both attack and defense, he brings comfort to both the defensive and attacking lines.