Who Are the Overseas-Based Stars in Pitso Mosimane’s First Bafana Bafana Squad?
Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has named his first preliminary squad since replacing Hugo Broos, and the inclusion of ten overseas-based players has caught the eye. The coach’s selections highlight his intent to blend international experience with local talent as South Africa prepares for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.
Leading the overseas contingent is Lyle Foster, who just signed for Houston Dynamo in the United States this week. He is joined in Major League Soccer by Puso Dithejane of Chicago Fire, giving Mosimane attacking options from one of the fastest-growing leagues in world football.
Belgium is represented by two rising stars, Relebohile Mofokeng of Union Saint-Gilloise and Shandre Campbell of KV Kortrijk. Both players have impressed in European competition and bring youthful energy to the squad. Meanwhile, Thapelo Maseko continues to shine in Denmark with FC Copenhagen, adding pace and creativity to the attacking unit.
Further depth comes from Luther Singh, who plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, and Samukele Kabini of Molde FK in Norway. Both are versatile attackers capable of influencing games in different ways. Defensive strength is bolstered by Olwethu Makhanya, who has been developing at Rangers FC in Scotland.
Germany and Portugal also feature in Mosimane’s plans, with Ime Okon representing Hannover 96 and Sphephelo Sithole turning out for CD Tondela. Their presence adds tactical diversity and European discipline to the midfield and defensive lines.
One notable absentee is Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire FC, who misses out due to injury. His absence is a blow to the defensive options, but Mosimane will be encouraged by the depth provided by the rest of the overseas contingent.
Mosimane’s squad reflects continuity, as he has retained much of the group that represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the same time, his inclusion of these overseas-based stars signals a clear strategy to harness international exposure and tactical diversity. His choices provide an early glimpse into his vision of building a team capable of competing at the highest level in Africa.
Bafana Bafana will host Guinea in their opening AFCON qualifier on Saturday, 26 September 2026, before traveling to face Eritrea away on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. The team will then wrap up their assignments with an international friendly against Egypt on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
Mosimane is expected to announce his final squad list in the coming days before the team goes into camp, setting the stage for a crucial campaign that could redefine South Africa’s standing in continental football.
