Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his provisional squad on Friday, October 23, as South Africa step up preparations for their crucial back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya next month.
The announcement marks another important step in Mosimane’s efforts to build a competitive national team capable of maintaining South Africa’s strong start to the continental qualifying campaign.
Bafana will host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Nairobi for the return encounter on Tuesday, November 17.
The two matches are expected to provide a stern test for Mosimane’s charges, who will be determined to strengthen their position in Group D and move closer to securing qualification for the continental showpiece.
Bafana riding high after impressive start
South Africa head into the November international window in confident mood following an encouraging start to their qualifying campaign.
Mosimane’s men opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea before producing an emphatic 5-0 win against Eritrea in Egypt.
Bafana subsequently continued their impressive run by defeating Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly in Cairo.
Those results have raised expectations among South African football supporters, who will be hoping the team can maintain its momentum against a Kenyan side coached by former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy.
The upcoming double-header will be particularly important because the teams will meet twice within four days, leaving little room for complacency.
Mosimane faces important selection decisions
The provisional squad gives the national team’s technical team an opportunity to assess the available talent before the final selection for the Kenya fixtures.
Mosimane will be expected to balance experience with emerging talent as he continues shaping the team following his return to the Bafana Bafana coaching position.
When he announced his first 35-man provisional squad in September, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach included several familiar faces alongside players looking to establish themselves at international level.
Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema and Chicago Fire forward Puso Dithejane were among the notable inclusions, while Cassius Mailula and Luther Singh returned to the national-team picture.
Experienced campaigners, including captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng, also featured in his plans.
However, the September selection was for the qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. The composition of the newly announced provisional squad for the Kenya matches will determine which players have done enough to remain in Mosimane’s immediate plans.
Benni McCarthy reunion adds intrigue
The encounters against Kenya will carry additional significance because McCarthy will face his home country in his role as Harambee Stars coach.
The former Bafana striker knows South African football well, adding an intriguing tactical dimension to the contest.
Bafana will enjoy home advantage in the opening match in Soweto, where supporters will expect the team to secure a positive result before travelling to Kenya for the return fixture.
The away match could prove challenging, making it essential for South Africa to approach both encounters with discipline, concentration and a clear tactical plan.
For Mosimane, the objective will be to ensure that Bafana’s encouraging results translate into consistent performances in competitive matches.
Focus turns to November
With the provisional squad announced, attention will now turn to the players who make the final selection and the preparations leading up to the first encounter.
South Africa’s strong start has placed them in a promising position, but the coaching staff will know that the work is far from complete.
The November fixtures offer Bafana an opportunity to consolidate their position in Group D and strengthen their pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
For supporters, the hope is that Mosimane can build on the team’s recent performances and guide South Africa towards another successful qualification campaign.