South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane has named his final 27-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya.
The squad, announced on Thursday, November 5, will see Bafana Bafana take on Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars in two encounters scheduled for November 13 and 17.
The first meeting will be staged at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg on November 13, before the two sides face off again at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi four days later.
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One of the notable inclusions is Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who returns to the national team setup after recovering from injury.
He is joined by fellow overseas-based defenders Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers FC and Ime Okon of Hannover 96.Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyanda Ndlovu is another notable inclusion, having earned a place in the final squad alongside established forwards Iqraam Rayners and Cassius Mailula.
However, experienced midfielder Themba Zwane misses out on the final selection.Mosimane has retained a strong core of players from his previous squad, with captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Lyle Foster among the notable names selected.
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Relebohile Mofokeng is among the exciting names in the squad following his impressive transition to European football after joining Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise from Orlando Pirates in July 2026 on a four-year deal.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder made an immediate impact, scoring the decisive penalty in the Belgian Super Cup shootout against Club Brugge, finding the net on his Belgian Pro League debut against Westerlo and also scoring on his UEFA Europa League debut in a 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzeň.
Bafana Bafana head into the double-header in strong form after winning their opening two Group D qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea to collect six points.
South Africa will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the group, while Kenya, who have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, will use the encounters to prepare for the continental tournament.
South Africa Final Squad to face Harambee Stars in AFCON Qualifiers
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss.
- Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
- Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Luther Singh, Tshepang Moremi, Siyanda Ndlovu.