Pitso Mosimane names first Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Pitso Mosimane names first Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Pitso Mosimane has named his first 30-man Bafana Bafana squad since returning as coach, with South Africa set to face Guinea and Eritrea in the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
What happened
Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiersGoalkeepers: Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams, Sipho ChaineDefenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Ime Okon, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Khulumani Ndamane, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olwethu Makhanya, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Thapelo MorenaMidfielders: Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho MokoenaForwards: Cassius Mailula, Iqraam Rayners, Luther Singh, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell, Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Maseko, Themba Zwane, Yanela Mbuthuma. Sport Soccer BafanaMosimane reveals reason for Yanela Mbuthuma selection in Bafana squadBAFANA BAFANASmiso Msomi|Published 1 hour agoAsk AI 2minOrlando Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma has been named in coach Pitso Mosimane's squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qaulifiers.
Pitso Mosimane has explained his decision to include Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma in his first Bafana Bafana squad since returning as coach. Mbuthuma is part of Mosimane’s 30-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea (26 September) and Eritrea (30 September), as well as a friendly against Egypt on the 4th of October. Sport Soccer BafanaPitso Mosimane broadens leadership group with Orlando Pirates starBAFANA BAFANASmiso Msomi|Published 31 minutes agoAsk AI 2minOrlando Pirates stars Lebone Seema and Sipho Chaine have been named in Pitso Mosimane's first Bafana Bafana squad for the first Fifa break of the season.
Mosimane, who recently returned for a second spell as Bafana head coach, revealed that he does not intend to rely on one permanent captain as he prepares his team for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Ask AIRelated Topics:bafana bafanayanela mbuthumaorlando piratespitso mosimaneThursday, September 17, 2026NewsCrime and CourtsSouth AfricaAfricaWorldBRICSEducationEnergyEnvironmentFeel GoodGovernment at WorkOpinionPoliticsOpinionOpinionNewsPoliticsEntertainmentLifestyleTechSportBusinessJobsEconomyPropertyWindow on ChinaHybrid WorkingEntertainmentCelebrity NewsStreamingMoviesMusicBooksWhats OnJoburgDurbanCape TownPretoriaOpinionLifestyleHealthBeautyFashionFoodRelationshipsParentingCompetitionsOpinionTravelLocalInternationalTechSoftware and InternetEsportsOpinionSportSoccerPSLRugbyCricketMMABettingOpinionHorse RacingMotoringReviewsLaunchesIndustry NewsMotorsport
The wider picture
Image: BACKPAGEPIXPitso Mosimane wants to broaden Bafana Bafana’s leadership group by giving younger players opportunities to captain the national team, while retaining Ronwen Williams as his first-choice skipper. The coach has named a 30-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by a friendly against Egypt. “Give him a chance. ”Mbuthuma will now have the opportunity to make his case on the international stage as Mosimane begins his second spell in charge of Bafana.
Captain doesn’t have to be a player because he’s 38, 35, okay. ”Mosimane believes captaincy should not automatically be reserved for the oldest or most experienced player in the squad. Let’s go for it, let’s open this thing. ”The comments underline Mosimane’s intention to develop a broader leadership culture within Bafana rather than placing the responsibility solely on Williams. For Mosimane, the captaincy structure will provide an opportunity to test different leaders while maintaining Williams as the senior figure in the squad.
The Pirates forward’s inclusion has raised questions, particularly around his goalscoring output, but Mosimane believes there is more to Mbuthuma’s game than his numbers in front of goal. The Bafana coach highlighted the striker’s physical presence and hunger as key qualities behind his selection.
What has been reported
“Well, I don’t know what other people are saying and I don’t know why people brand him as an enemy,” said Mosimane. I think you’ve seen him scoring few goals in Orlando Stadium. ”Mosimane acknowledged that Mbuthuma could be scoring more goals, but believes the 24-year-old has shown enough to earn an opportunity with the national team. South Africa face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 before taking on Eritrea, with the squad then set to face Egypt in a friendly on October 4.
For Mosimane, Mbuthuma’s selection appears to be based on the qualities he believes the striker can bring to his system, rather than simply his current goalscoring numbers. The coach will hope the Pirates forward can repay that faith when he gets his opportunity in the Bafana shirt. Bafana face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 before their meeting with Eritrea four days later. Williams remains the senior captain under Mosimane, but Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is set to join him in the leadership group.
Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane has also been identified as one of Mosimane’s captains, despite the coach’s desire to introduce younger leaders.
What happens next
Mosimane confirmed that Williams’ position as captain has not been taken away, while also revealing Zwane remains part of his leadership structure. “And yes, maybe he’s not scoring as much as you want, but he does score and he’s got a physical presence also and he’s hungry. ”The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach then urged supporters to give the Pirates striker an opportunity to prove himself at international level. “We have a few captains, and I will choose sometimes a captain of the day because if (French striker Kylian) Mbappe is a captain, I think we can have also a young captain.
His decision to include Chaine in the leadership group represents an opportunity for the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper to take on greater responsibility at international level. The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in the Betway Premiership and will compete with Williams and Ricardo Goss for a place in the national team. “Themba Zwane is one of my captains, by the way… And for your information Chaine is going to be one of the captains, same as Ronwen he will still remain my captain.
The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across iol.co.za. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.