Pitso Mosimane Unveils 38-Man Bafana Bafana Squad for Crucial Kenya Showdown

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has announced a 38-man preliminary squad for next month’s crucial back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya.

The two matches are expected to play a major role in South Africa’s qualification campaign as Bafana look to strengthen their position in the group and move closer to securing a place at the continental showpiece.

The fixtures come with added intrigue as Kenya’s Harambee Stars are currently coached by South African football legend Benni McCarthy, setting up a fascinating coaching battle between two of the country’s most respected football figures.

South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg on Friday, 13 November 2026, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

Kick-off for the first encounter in Soweto is scheduled for 18h00, with supporters expected to pack the stadium for what promises to be a high-stakes clash.

Tickets for the match are already on sale through Ticketpro, with adults paying R100 and children between the ages of five and 12 able to attend for R40.

Bafana will head into the double-header in confident mood after making an impressive start to their AFCON qualifying campaign. South Africa opened with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea before producing a dominant 5-0 win against Eritrea.

Those results have placed Mosimane’s side in a strong position, but the coach will know that victories against Kenya could prove decisive as qualification enters a critical stage.

The preliminary squad includes a healthy blend of experienced internationals, exciting young prospects and several players plying their trade abroad.

Among the goalkeepers selected are captain Ronwen Williams, Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss and Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.

The defensive department is headlined by Mamelodi Sundowns stars Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi and Khulumani Ndamane, alongside overseas-based players Samukele Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon.

There are also call-ups for Orlando Pirates duo Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi, AmaZulu FC defender Nkosikhona Radebe, Chicago Fire SC’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Sabah FK defender Aden McCarthy.

In midfield, Mosimane has turned to the experience of Teboho Mokoena and Lebohang Maboe, while Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Luke Le Roux and Durban City FC’s Brooklyn Poggenpoel also make the preliminary list.

The attacking contingent is packed with quality and includes Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Tashreeq Matthews and Relebohile Mofokeng. Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane also features alongside Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Devin Titus and Lyle Foster.

Completing the squad are Boitumelo Radiopane, Nqaba Xulu, Tshepang Moremi and Puso Dithejane, with Mosimane now facing the difficult task of trimming the squad before naming his final selection for the eagerly anticipated AFCON qualifiers against McCarthy’s Kenya side.