Pitsso Mosimane has returned to lead the Bafana Bafana national team during an interesting period, as the number of South African footballers playing overseas grows, and many of them arrive at the camp in encouraging form.
The main figure is Relobokhile Mofokeng, who noted his challenge with the national team after scoring his first Europa League goal for Royal Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday. The 21-year-old player demonstrated an impressive start to his European career after moving from Orlando Pirates, scoring four goals since his transfer to Belgium.
Mofokeng is also among the players Mosimane mentioned as part of the next generation he intends to develop; the coach has already highlighted his versatility and ability to influence the game from different positions.
Another player is Tapelo Maseko, who is settling into Denmark after moving from Mamelodi Sundowns to FC Copenhagen. Maseko scored twice in his first start for Copenhagen in the team's 5-0 victory over OB earlier this month, which was an early sign of what he can offer in a new environment.
This winger was one of Bafana's bright performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring the winning goal against South Korea, and his move to Europe gives him another platform for development.
Puso Dithejane may have become one of the biggest beneficiaries of moving abroad. The Chicago Fire forward has been recognized for his strong form in Major League Soccer, including being named club player of the month in July and August. His performances led to his first call-up to the Bafana starting lineup under Mosimane and could provide the coach with another attacking option in the upcoming international window.
However, the overseas contingent is not limited to goalscorers. Olwetu Mahanya has established himself at Scottish giant Rangers after moving from Stellenbosch, while Shandre Campbell continues his European journey with Belgian club KV Kortrijk. Campbell moved to Kortrijk from Club Brugge after 11 appearances in the Belgian Pro League last season, and his involvement is another sign of the growing number of young South Africans testing themselves outside the country.
Meanwhile, Mahanya represents an important addition to defensive options after his move to Scotland. The Rangers defender is among several central defenders competing for spots under Mosimane, although the coach faces a different selection problem in defense compared to the abundance of attacking options available to him.
The overall picture is encouraging. South Africa's thirty-man squad for the upcoming international window includes nine players based abroad, including Mofokeng, Maseko, Dithejane, Mahanya, and Campbell. They are following a path that South African football increasingly desires for its young players—testing themselves against different opponents, adapting to various football cultures, and fighting for permanent places abroad.
For Mosimane, this creates competition. And if goals, minutes, and appearances continue, it could give Bafana a new dimension as the new coach begins to build his squad.
