Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has named a strong squad for this month’s crucial back-to-back AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Kenya, starting with a high stakes clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 13 November.
By Zuko Komisa

Bafana Bafana’s journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is gathering momentum, but reaching the summit and reclaiming continental glory will require unrelenting consistency.
With the tournament hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027, the stakes could not be higher. Because Kenya qualify automatically as hosts, only the top team in Group J will book a direct ticket to the 36th edition of the tournament.
Under head coach Pitso Mosimane, South Africa have made a flawless start to their qualifying campaign. A hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea followed by a statement 5-0 dismantling of Eritrea leaves the 1996 champions sitting top of the table with six points.
However, staying on top demands immediate focus, starting with crucial back-to-back clashes against Kenya on 13 and 17 November. The first leg takes place in East Africa on Friday 13 November, before Mosimane’s men return home to light up the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday 17 November, with both fixtures kicking off at 18:00.

Building a championship-winning culture requires more than just a strong start.
Football analyst and former national team tactician Mark Dladla explains:
“Winning tournaments isn’t just about blowing teams away in the group stages. It’s about tactical adaptability on the road, managing high-pressure moments in hostile away environments, and maintaining squad depth when fatigue sets in.”
To navigate this hurdle, Mosimane has named a robust squad blending established domestic quality with top European and American talent:
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates FC), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns FC).
- Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Samukele Kabini (FC Molde), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Thabang Matuludi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC).
- Midfielders: Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers FC), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates FC), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire SC), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates FC), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela CD), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City FC).
- Forwards: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo), Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates FC), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire FC), Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates FC), Siyanda Ndlovu (Mamelodi Sundowns FC).

Becoming AFCON champions ultimately boils down to psychological resilience and tactical discipline.
If Mosimane can keep his group sharp, cohesive, and mentally hardened through the final rounds of qualification in early 2027, Bafana Bafana won’t just participate in East Africa they will arrive as genuine title contenders.
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