Pitso Mosimane Names Preliminary Squad for Kenya AFCON Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has announced a 38-man preliminary squad ahead of next month's back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya. The upcoming fixtures are scheduled for November 13 and November 17, as South Africa looks to continue its strong momentum in tournament qualification.

For the upcoming matches, Mosimane has recalled Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Lebohang Maboe, and Luke le Roux, all of whom missed the previous national team camp due to various reasons. The return of Mbokazi from injury strengthens central defense alongside options like Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya, while Maboe returns to bolster the midfield competition alongside Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

The squad selection also heavily rewards strong performances at the club level. Mosimane has included in-form players such as Thakasani Mbanjwa, Aden McCarthy, Nkosikhona Radebe, Devin Titus, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Nqaba Xulu. McCarthy earned his selection following impressive defensive displays for Sabah FK in Azerbaijan, which included appearances in the UEFA Champions League, while Radiopane and Xulu have caught attention with their goalscoring form domestically.

Conversely, some players have missed out following dips in form. Mosimane dropped Yanela Mbuthuma after he participated in the previous camp for matches against Guinea, Eritrea, and Egypt, signaling that national team places remain strictly merit-based. Evidence Makgopa was once again left out of the preliminary roster.

Mosimane took over the managerial reins following the tenure of Hugo Broos, who previously guided South Africa to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Broos had voiced concerns prior to Mosimane's appointment regarding potential external influence from club owners and agents, Mosimane's selections have heavily emphasized player form, fitness, and fierce internal competition.

The competitive environment created across the squad has opened up battles for starting positions. Established figures like goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, and Lyle Foster remain part of the setup, giving the technical team a balanced mix of experienced internationals and rising talent as preparations for the Kenya double-header get underway.