By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The newly appointed Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has announced a preliminary squad for this month’s 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
Mosimane has kept the core of the available players who did duty at the 2026 World Cup, but has added some new names to the list.
One of those is in-form Chicago Fire winger Puso Dithejane, who has been in scintillating form in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula is another back in contention, while Cyprus-based Luther Singh gets the nod.
Olwethu Makhanya amd Ime Okon have both been selected with Mbekezeli Mbokazi injured, while there is a potential recall for Sundowns left-back Fawaaz Basadien.
South Africa will also face Egypt in an away international friendly match on 4 October 2026.
Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebogang Maboe, Cemran Dansin, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Lyle Foster, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Ronaldo van Neel, Thapelo Maseko, Moremi, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell.