Pitsso Mosimane aims to win the trophy with the South African national team before the match against Guinea

Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will be unable to participate in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea, which is scheduled for Saturday at Orlando Stadium after sustaining an injury during training.

AFCON Qualification

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has been excluded from the squad for the 2027 qualifier against Guinea, which will take place at Orlando Stadium. Sibisi was initially included in the thirty-man squad that Mosimane named for his first match back as coach.

Mosimane, who emphasized during a press conference that he plans to rely on the foundation laid by his predecessor Hugo Brues, expected Sibisi to play in defense against the Guinean national team. However, Sibisi's injury weakens Bafana's central defensive line. The team has already lost key players from the World Cup campaign, including Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who also withdrew from the camp due to injury.

Nevertheless, the remaining central defender, Impe Okon, will not be isolated. Mosimane remains confident in the sufficient depth of the team's defense, pointing to promising youth talent, among whom Olwetu Mahanya stands out, demonstrating good form for Rangers.

Mosimane commented on Sibisi's condition, stating: 'He hasn't trained for the last two days. He got injured in training. The doctor says he will miss this match. Injuries are part of professional sport. That's why we recruit many players. You never know what will happen.'

Sibisi is the second Bafana player to be ruled out due to injury since the group camp, following the ankle injury of Lebohanga Maboe, sustained during the first training session. Maboe was replaced by Tshepanga Moremi. It is important for Bafana to demonstrate solid defensive play so as not to start Mosimane's second term with a setback at Orlando Stadium, where strong fan support is expected during the long weekend match.

Bafana Bafana national team coach Pitsos Mosimane explained his strategy for choosing Egypt for the first friendly match during his second tenure as coach. He stated that he quickly loses interest when matches are too easy.

International Friendly Matches

Mosimane will begin his second period of work with the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea at home on Saturday, and then play in Erriha in Cairo on September 30. After this, the team will stay in Cairo to meet the Pharaohs in a friendly match on October 4.

The game against Egypt will provide a real test for young players, reserves, and returning players. Although the national team has not won the Africa Cup since 2010, Egypt remains the most successful on the continent, holding seven continental trophies, including three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2010.

Considering that Egypt ranks 24th in the world and third on the continent, while Bafana is ranked 54th and 10th respectively, Mosimane emphasized that his team needs to perform its best.

“It is easy to play a friendly match that you can always win,” said Mosimane. “Let’s play Egypt. Let’s do it right.”

Previously, during his first term, Mosimane planned matches against leading African forces, which ultimately led to his dismissal after a series of draws. Nevertheless, he realizes that he might face similar scrutiny but remains unfazed.

He added: “I also know my fate from 14 years ago. It was because I played Ivory Coast, Zambia, Ghana—the six best teams on the continent. I used them as friendlies for preparation, and I got all draws. You know my fate.”

Mosimane asked himself: “Am I doing the same thing with these friendlies? Or should I find someone we can beat 5-0 and say we have changed? But I am the type of person who falls for his own dreams. I believe we must do it right. It may not work out, but it is part of life.”

Choosing the easy path simply does not suit Mosimane's style; instead, he prefers to challenge himself. “Here I am. This is me in football—when it is easy and comfortable, I get bored,” concluded Mosimane. “I need this excitement. I need to be on the edge. I think that is my essence.”

Pitso Mosimane presented his first squad for the Bafana Bafana team after returning to the head coach position. He formed a group of 30 players for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea.

The Bafana team will begin its latest campaign for points against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26, followed by a match against Eritrea. During the international break, Mosimane's squad will also participate in a friendly match against Egypt.

The squad is a combination of experienced international players, rising talents, and footballers playing for foreign clubs, as Mosimane begins his second tenure leading the national team.

Captain Ronwen Williams leads the goalkeeping quartet, alongside Sipho Chaine from Orlando Pirates and Ricardo Goss from Mamelodi Sundowns. In defense, Sundowns players dominate, including Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, and Thapelo Morena, while Pirates are represented by Kamogelo Sebelebele and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

International players are also noted in defense: Samukele Kabini from Molde, Olwethu Makhanya from Rangers, and Ime Okon from Hannover 96. Furthermore, the midfield includes Tebogo Mokoena, Lebogang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, and Brooklyn Poggenpoel from Durban City.

The attacking line features Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, and Tashreeq Matthews from Sundowns, as well as Pirates forwards Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma. Veteran Themba Zwane was also included in the list, as Mosimane aims to combine experience with young players in his first squad since his return.

Relebohile Mofokeng has returned to the squad, having started his European adventure with Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Other players playing abroad include Puso Dithejane from Chicago Fire, Thapelo Maseko from FC Copenhagen, Luther Singh from AEL Limassol, and Shandre Campbell from KV Kortrijk.

The upcoming matches will allow Mosimane to undergo his first competitive tests since his return, and Bafana aims to start a strong campaign in pursuit of AFCON qualification. The friendly match against Egypt will give the coach another opportunity to assess the squad and begin shaping Bafana's preferred formation.