Mamelodi Sundowns have provided almost half of the Bafana Bafana squad for this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, with coach Pitso Mosimane keeping faith in several established internationals despite concerns over their fitness.
The Pretoria club have 12 players in the 27-man selection, including captain Ronwen Williams and influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who are both battling to recover from injuries.
Their inclusion comes despite uncertainty over whether they will be available for Sundowns' CAF Super Cup meeting with USM Alger on Sunday.
Mosimane has also handed an opportunity to Sundowns winger Siyanda Ndlovu, who will hope to make his mark at senior international level.
Another notable inclusion is Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who returns after missing Mosimane's first international window in charge.
The Chicago Fire defender joins fellow overseas-based players Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini in a defensive group that also includes experienced Sundowns fullbacks Aubrey Modiba and Thapelo Morena.
The absence of injured Orlando Pirates defender Kamogelo Sebelebele leaves Morena and Thabang Matuludi as the recognised right-back options.
In midfield, Pirates' Thalente Mbatha returns to provide additional competition alongside Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
Houston Dynamo striker Lyle Foster is another returning player, strengthening an attack that includes Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng.
There is no place for Pirates strikers Evidence Makgopa and Yanela Mbuthuma.
The double-header will see Mosimane come up against former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, who is now in charge of Kenya.
South Africa lead Group D after winning their opening two qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, and will be looking to strengthen their position as they seek a place at the 2027 continental finals.
The first match will be played at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday, November 13, with the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 17. Both games start at 18h00 South African time.
BAFANA BAFANA 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), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers, Scotland), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City).
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo, USA), Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, USA), Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol, Cyprus), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Ndlovu (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Pitso Mosimane has named his squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Kenya. 🚨 Siyanda Ndlovu makes the cut, along with Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha and Lyle Foster. #SSFootball | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2027 https://t.co/fCj7CyzFfs
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 5, 2026