A third of the Bafana Bafana squad will travel back for upcoming international matches.
South Africa face Kenya at home and away in November during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Could travel fatigue be a bigger issue for Pitso Mosimane ahead of the two crucial games?
Which Bafana Bafana players are flying home?
Mosimane confirmed his final squad for the Harambee Stars on Thursday, 5 November.
He has included the following overseas players:
- Samukele Kabini (FC Molde, Norway).
- Olwethu Makhanya (Ranger FC, Scotland).
- Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany).
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).
- Sphephelo Sithole (Toldena CD, Portugal).
- Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo, USA).
- Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, USA).
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium).
- Luther Singh (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).
Bafana Bafana are leading their qualifying group and will need the overseas firepower.
They face Kenya at the Orlando Stadium on 13 November at 18:00, according to SAFA.
Fixture details for the return leg in Kenya on 17 November have not been confirmed yet.
Mosimane is also expected to name his playing XI a day or two before the home leg.
Travel and the effect on export players
Mosimane will already be considering the limited time between domestic and international fixtures.
He is reportedly planning to host a training camp this month, but details have not been confirmed.
Clubs typically release players five days ahead, especially if they have to travel long distances.
Looking at this practically, Houston Dynamo wraps up the MLS regular season on 8 November.
If Lyle Foster is not released early, he is likely to join the Bafana Bafana camp by mid-week.
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, similarly, has a Belgian Pro League clash on Sunday.
Relebohile Mofokeng is a key player for his club, which is second in the standings.
This means Bafana Bafana could have several players with a week or less to acclimatise.
It remains to be seen if this will affect squad rotation against the Harambee Stars.
Kenya have already qualified as 2027 AFCON co-hosts, leaving just one spot in the group to fight for.
WILL BAFANA BAFANA’S OVERSEAS PLAYERS BE READY FOR THE FIRST KENYA GAME?
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