Mosimane stresses no entitlement for Bafana players ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has delivered a firm message to his squad ahead of South Africa’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Speaking at his first technical press conference since returning to the national team, Mosimane emphasised that no player is guaranteed a place in the squad, not even those who featured at the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The warning came as Mosimane introduced returning forwards Luther Singh and Cassius Mailula, both of whom have rejoined the national setup after extended absences. Their inclusion underscores the coach’s stance that past achievements do not secure future selection. “Football evolves. There was a Ronaldo at Real Madrid and now there is Mbappé,” Mosimane remarked, highlighting the need for constant competition and renewal within the team.

South Africa’s squad reported for camp on Sunday without any disciplinary issues, a fact Mosimane interpreted as a sign of respect for the national team badge. “It’s always good when you come to the office on day one and all the boys are on time. That sends a message that nobody feels entitled just because they played at the World Cup,” he said.

Singh and Mailula’s return has been met with praise from Mosimane, who noted their humility and hunger to prove their worth. He pointed out the competitive pressure they face from established players such as Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng. “There is pressure on Luther Singh to say, ‘Can I take the place of Appollis who is scoring every time?’ and on Cassius to say, ‘Can I play with or take the place of Rele?’ For me, it’s exciting to see that; it’s beautiful,” the coach said.

The squad retains a core of experienced players, including captain Ronwen Williams, midfielder Themba Zwane, and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who form the leadership group. Mosimane has also integrated several new faces, with the Confederation of African Football confirming a 30-player squad featuring five maiden call-ups.

South Africa’s AFCON 2027 Group D qualifying campaign begins with a home match against Guinea on 26 September 2026 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. This will be followed by an away fixture against Eritrea in Cairo on 30 September, and a friendly against Egypt on 4 October. These fixtures mark Mosimane’s first competitive matches in his current tenure.

With the squad assembled and a clear message delivered, Mosimane’s focus is on fostering a competitive environment where selection is earned through performance and commitment rather than past reputation. The upcoming qualifiers will test this approach as South Africa aims to secure a place at AFCON 2027.