Bafana Bafana will open their qualification campaign against Guinea before hosting Eritrea next month. The incoming coach will have to reshape his starting lineup without Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau.
BAFANA BAFANA HIT BY INJURIES
The triple injury blow leaves significant gaps in the South Africa squad just weeks before the September qualifiers. It increases the pressure on whoever takes charge of the national team.
Mbokazi of Chicago Fire has suffered a serious left thigh tear, while Mokoena is sidelined with an ankle injury. Mudau, meanwhile, is feared to have suffered an Achilles tendon tear that could keep him out for an extended period.
The absence of Mokoena will be particularly concerning in midfield. The Mamelodi Sundowns star has established himself as an important figure for Bafana Bafana.
Mudau has also been a regular option at right-back. Mbokazi’s injury further reduces the defensive depth available to the new national team coach.
The incoming tactician will now have to turn to the Betway Premiership and South Africans playing abroad for replacements.
With limited preparation time before the September fixtures, the new coach will have little opportunity to experiment with his squad or tactical approach.
NEW COACH FACES TOUGH START
The coaching situation has added another layer of uncertainty to South Africa’s preparations for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Pitso Mosimane had been widely viewed as a leading candidate for the vacant South Africa position, but reports suggest SAFA has shifted its attention towards former Chelsea and Uruguay midfielder Gustavo Poyet.
Whoever gets the job will inherit an immediate selection crisis, having to identify replacements while establishing a tactical system with limited time before the qualifiers begin.
The new coach must also ensure South Africa make a positive start against Guinea before facing Eritrea at home, with early qualification points likely to prove crucial.
With the September fixtures approaching, SAFA faces growing pressure to finalise the appointment and give the new coach sufficient time to prepare his squad.
The immediate challenge will be replacing three established internationals while ensuring Bafana Bafana remain strong enough to compete for qualification.