Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has named his squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month, with a return to the team for a striker who last played for South Africa in 2021.
Mosimane has several injury worries, particularly in defence with no Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau though injury, but has gone largely with his tried and trusted.
South Africa face Guinea in Johannesburg on 26 September, before travelling to neutral Cairo to face Eritrea four days later. They also have a friendly international against Egypt at the same venue on 4 October.
Cyprus-based Luther Singh has not played for Bafana since 2021 but has earned a surprise recall.
Chicago Fire’s Puso Dithejane has been rewarded for his fine form this season, while Tashreeq Matthews also gets a look-in.
Shandre Campbell and Thapelo Maseko have also earned call-ups, but there is no place for Lyle Foster, who has not kicked a ball since the opening game of the 2026 World Cup against Mexico.
Iqraam Rayners and Yanela Mbuthuma are the two central striker options, though Cassius Mailula could also be used in that role. The evergreen Themba Zwane has been retained at the age of 37.
Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, and Nkosinathi Sibisi are the centre-back options.
Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini and Fawaaz Basadien are the left-back choices, while Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thabang Matuludi, who has not kicked a ball this season ahead of his move to Sundowns, and Thapelo Morena are the right-back options.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane announces his final squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea & Eritrea 🇿🇦⚽️ #BafanaPride @StandardBankZA @adidasZA @HonorAfrica @SABC_Sport @REXONA_SA @NUTRITECHFIT @socios @10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @flysaa @southernsungrp pic.twitter.com/AQWlH6JI9b
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 17, 2026
SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers, Scotland), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City).
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Yanela Mbuthuma (Orlando Pirates), Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, USA), Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol, Cyprus), Shandre Campbell (KV Kortrijk, Belgium).