Mosimane Bafana Squad: 30 Players for AFCON Qualifiers

The Mosimane Bafana squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers has 30 players. Coach Pitso Mosimane announced the final list on 17 September 2026, according to SAFA. It covers the qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, plus a friendly against Egypt.

How was the Mosimane Bafana squad chosen?

Mosimane first announced a preliminary 35-member squad a few days earlier. Then he trimmed it to 30 players who will play three matches in the coming weeks. In his words, “we select (based) on form, we select on experience, and we select on availability and the impact of injuries.”

Therefore, the final group blends current form with international know-how. However, injuries and availability also shaped the cut, as the coach made clear.

Notably, the trim came from the 35-player group he announced a few days earlier. In other words, five names dropped out before the squad went to camp. SAFA did not publish reasons for individual decisions, so we will not guess at them here.

Which matches is the squad preparing for?

The squad will play three international matches. First, Bafana host Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on 26 September in the opening qualifier. Next, they travel to face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, 30 September. Finally, they play an international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.

Our Bafana Bafana v Guinea preview has the kick-off details. In addition, the full run of dates sits in our AFCON 2027 qualifiers schedule.

When did Bafana Bafana assemble?

The players assembled on Sunday, 20 September 2026, ahead of the Guinea qualifier. As a result, the group has had almost a week together before the opening match.

Meanwhile, SAFA says more Bafana announcements will follow as the build-up continues. We will report them as they are confirmed.

Why does this squad matter for AFCON 2027?

These qualifiers decide who travels to Pamoja 2027, held from 19 June to 17 July 2027. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It is the first AFCON in East Africa since Ethiopia hosted in 1976, SAFA notes.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said supporters were “looking forward to going to Pamoja 2027”. Consequently, this first squad is also the first real test of Mosimane’s plans.

What is new about this Bafana squad?

Mosimane is beginning his third spell as Bafana coach after succeeding Hugo Broos, according to CAF’s group preview. The same preview says the squad keeps World Cup players such as Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena, and includes five uncapped players. SAFA’s announcement does not list the names, so we have not published a player-by-player breakdown here.

What form do Bafana bring into the window?

South Africa have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six matches, scoring 3 and conceding 5. Their most recent games were at the World Cup: a 0-2 loss to Mexico, a 1-1 draw with Czechia, a 1-0 win over South Korea and a 0-1 loss to Canada. Before that, they drew 1-1 in Jamaica and 0-0 with Nicaragua in warm-up friendlies.

Therefore, the new coach inherits a side that scored only three goals in those six games. However, those results came under a different coach, so they are a starting point, not a verdict.

What happens after the October window?

Qualifying resumes in November, and our fixture data lists two games against Kenya: at home on 11 November and away on 15 November. Then Bafana play Guinea away on 24 March 2027 and Eritrea at home on 28 March. SAFA has not confirmed these dates or venues in the announcements we read. Note that the Egypt game on 4 October is a friendly, so only the Guinea and Eritrea games count towards qualification in this window. Kenya are co-hosts, so only the highest-placed team other than Kenya will qualify from the group, according to CAF.

Where can I see the Bafana players by position?

Our South Africa national soccer team players page is the reference for the squad, organised by position. This report focuses on the announcement. For results and dates, use our Bafana Bafana fixtures and results hub.

Can fans attend the Guinea match?

Yes. Tickets for the Orlando Stadium qualifier went on sale, including hospitality packages. Adult tickets are R100 and tickets for children under 12 are R40. However, children’s tickets require at least one adult ticket in the same purchase.

Frequently asked questions

How many players are in the Mosimane Bafana squad?

The final squad has 30 players, trimmed from a preliminary 35-member group, according to SAFA.

When was the squad announced?

Pitso Mosimane announced the final squad on 17 September 2026.

Which matches is the squad for?

AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Guinea (26 September) and Eritrea (30 September), plus a friendly against Egypt on 4 October 2026.