Pitso Mosimane has named a preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya in November. Bafana will face Kenya at Orlando Stadium on 13 November, with a return clash in East Africa a few days later.
Players back in contention
Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is in the preliminary squad after missing the wins over Guinea and Eritrea in Bafana’s opening two matches through injury. He has recovered from a thigh problem and has featured in several games for Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire to prove his fitness. Cercle Brugge midfielder Luke Le Roux is also back in the mix, while Lyle Foster is named after recently starting to play again for Houston Dynamo in MLS.
Fresh call-ups
Aden McCarthy gets a nod after his exploits for Azerbaijani side Sabah in the UEFA Champions League. Nkosikhona Radebe from AmaZulu has been named, as has Nqaba Xulu from Richards Bay. Boitumelo Radiopane from Orlando Pirates is also in the preliminary squad, along with right-winger Devin Titus of Moroccan side Maghreb Fez.
Goalkeepers and midfielders
The preliminary squad includes four goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss and Thakasani Mbanjwa. The seven midfielders are Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Thalente Mbatha and Luke Le Roux.
Defenders and forwards
The defenders in the preliminary squad are Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Nkosikhona Radebe, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aden McCarthy. The forwards are Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Devin Titus, Lyle Foster, Boitumelo Radiopane, Nqaba Xulu, Tshepang Moremi and Puso Dithejane.