Pitso Mosimane names final 30-man Bafana Bafana’s AFCON qualifiers squad

The Bafana Bafana coach has completed his squad selection ahead of a busy international window.

Mosimane initially selected 35 players for the preliminary group. He has now removed five names from that original list.

South Africa will begin its competitive campaign against Guinea on 26 September. The match will take place at Orlando Stadium.

Bafana Bafana will then head to Cairo for another important qualifier. They face Eritrea on 30 September.

However, the trip will not end there for Mosimane’s squad. South Africa will stay in Egypt before playing the hosts on 4 October.

The coach has retained several players from South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. At the same time, he has opened the door for several newcomers.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe is among those who survived the final cut. His inclusion adds further interest to Mosimane’s new-look squad.

Maboe has impressed since joining Kaizer Chiefs. He also knows Mosimane from their previous time together at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Five players dropped as new faces emerge

Five players from the preliminary squad will now miss the upcoming international fixtures.

Cemran Dansin has failed to secure a place in the final group. Tshepo Mashiloane has also been omitted.

Lyle Foster is another high-profile absentee from the final selection. Ronaldo van Neel and Tshepang Moremi also miss out.

Moremi’s omission comes after he recently returned to Orlando Pirates training. Nevertheless, Mosimane has opted against including the winger.

Several players will now have an opportunity to make their mark. Tashreeq Matthews, Lebone Seema and Cassius Mailula are among them.

Yanela Mbuthuma also features after earning a place in the final selection.

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

The 30-man selection now gives Bafana Bafana a clear group for the upcoming fixtures.

The squad combines established internationals with several players seeking their opportunity.