With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now concluded, Bafana Bafana have swiftly shifted their attention to the next major assignment on the continental calendar — the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where expectations will once again be high for the South African national team.
With the new coach, likely Pitso Mosimane who is expected to be in charge, depending on the current contractual negotiations, the South African men’ senior team have been drawn in Group D alongside co-hosts Kenya, as well as familiar regional rivals Mozambique and Zimbabwe, setting up a tightly contested qualifying campaign that is expected to test South Africa’s consistency and depth.
The qualifiers are set to get underway next month, with Bafana Bafana aiming to secure early momentum in a group that offers both opportunity and danger in equal measure.
While South Africa will be regarded as one of the favourites to progress, the presence of neighbouring rivals adds an extra layer of intensity to the fixtures.
Kenya, who are coached by Benny McCarthy, as the co-host in the forthcoming 2027 AFCON finals, will be highly motivated in front of their home supporters, while Mozambique and Zimbabwe bring a strong Southern African rivalry that has historically produced closely fought encounters.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is expected to announce the preliminary squad in the coming days, with the new coach likely to maintain a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent as he continues to build depth within the national setup laid by the former coach, Hugo Broos.
Attention will also be on how Bafana Bafana recover physically and mentally following their World Cup campaign, which provided valuable experience against top international opposition. The technical team has repeatedly emphasised the importance of continuity, with the AFCON qualifiers seen as a key stepping stone towards long-term continental success.
South Africa will be aiming not only to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament but also to assert themselves as serious contenders on the African stage. Recent performances have shown signs of progress, but consistency remains a key focus area for the coaching staff.
The opening fixtures in Group D are expected to set the tone for the campaign, with early points likely to play a crucial role in determining qualification.
Home advantage will also be vital for Bafana Bafana, who will look to make their matches in South Africa count.
As the countdown to the qualifiers begins, anticipation is building among supporters eager to see whether Bafana Bafana can translate their World Cup experience into success on the continental stage.