Will South African ‘export stars’ be the difference for Pitso Mosimane?
The new coach has trimmed his Bafana Bafana squad to 30 players ahead of continental assignments.
He has retained most of the players who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US.
This includes 9 export stars based elsewhere on the globe – here’s which domestic teams they represent.
Pitso drops squad list ahead of AFCON qualifiers
At midday today (17 September), the South African Football Association (SAFA) announced Mosimane’s first squad since taking the reins.
Several stars are out injured, including Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who suffered a thigh tear and will be out long-term, as reported by ESPN.
This is also the first Bafana squad without the late Jayden Adams, who was laid to rest days after helping South Africa defeat South Korea.
Mosimane has stuck with the team that reached the World Cup Round of 32, but also mentioned giving younger players a chance.
Almost a third of the squad is based outside the PSL, an indication of how South Africa’s footprint in the sport expanded over the years.
Bafana Bafana’s export stars
Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany)
The defender, who was born in South Africa to Nigerian parents, joined the second-tier German side in 2025 on a four-year deal.
He reportedly turned down advances from Kaizer Chiefs, FC Midtjylland, Dynamo Kyiv and Qatar SC.
Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway)
The defender was a product of the Orlando Pirates youth system before joining TS Galaxy.
He then signed with Norway’s Molde FK on a deal until 2028, doing enough to earn a call-up to Bafana Bafana’s World Cup.
Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)
The midfielder left South Africa in 2017 to join Sporting CP’s youth structures, and later represented Vitoria FC’s U23 side.
His longevity as an export player was rewarded when he signed a deal with Tondela, with that contract since extended.
Luther Singh (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
Despite a solid season with Limassol, the right-winger found himself excluded from Hugo Broos’ squad for the World Cup.
He has continued to put in the hard yards in Cyprus and has earned redemption under the new Bafana Bafana coach.
Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)
The right-winger is considered one of the brightest South African football talents, and his transfer to Copenhagen only proves it.
Maseko was a crucial player for Mamelodi Sundowns before his move abroad and also scored the winner against South Korea.
Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers FC, Scotland)
The defender left Philadelphia Union in MLS to join Scotland’s Rangers in July, as one of eight signings under coach Derek McInnes.
Makhanya has gone on record with criticism of Broos, believing his recall under Mosimane was deserved after being overlooked before.
Shandre Campbell (KV Kortrijk, Belgium)
The left winger first made his name with SuperSport United, before making a move to Club NXT in Belgium’s second tier.
His journey took him to Pro League giants Club Brugge, before switching to K.V. Kortrijk this season for more game time.
Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, MLS)
Brought in by the MLS franchise to partner with their other South African star, Mbokazi, the winger has taken flight.
He has put in several man-of-the-match performances, benefiting from playing alongside Robert Lewandowski.
Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium)
The 21-year-old joined USG earlier this year from Orlando Pirates for a reported €3 million (around R56 million).
He has scored three goals in five starts to silence the criticism, with his team leading the Belgian Pro League table.
WHICH BAFANA EXPORT PLAYER ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED TO SEE IN ACTION?
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