COMMENT
Pitso Mosimane has returned to Bafana Bafana at an interesting time, with a growing group of South Africans playing their football abroad and several arriving in camp in encouraging form ahead of next week's Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Guinea, followed by Eritrea a few days later.
The headline act is Relebohile Mofokeng, who marked his Bafana recall with his first Uefa Europa League goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday. The 21-year-old has made an impressive start to his European adventure after leaving Orlando Pirates, scoring four goals since moving to Belgium.
Mofokeng is also one of the players Mosimane has spoken about as part of the next generation he wants to develop, with the coach already highlighting his versatility and ability to influence games from different positions.
Then there is Thapelo Maseko, who is beginning to find his feet in Denmark after joining FC Copenhagen from Mamelodi Sundowns. Maseko scored twice in his first start for Copenhagen during their 5-0 victory over OB earlier this month, providing an early indication of what he can offer in a new environment.
The winger was one of Bafana’s standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring the winning goal against South Korea, and his move to Europe gives him another platform to develop.
Puso Dithejane has arguably been one of the biggest beneficiaries of a move abroad.
The Chicago Fire attacker has been rewarded for a strong run of form in Major League Soccer, including being named the club’s player of the month for July and August. His performances earned him a first senior Bafana call-up under Mosimane and could give the coach another attacking option during the upcoming international window.
But the overseas contingent extends beyond the players grabbing the goals.
Olwethu Makhanya has established himself at Scottish giants Rangers after making the move from Stellenbosch, while Shandre Campbell continues his European journey with Belgian side KV Kortrijk.
Campbell joined Kortrijk from Club Brugge after making 11 Belgian Pro League appearances last season, and his inclusion is another sign of the increasing number of young South Africans testing themselves outside the country.
Makhanya, meanwhile, represents an important addition to the defensive options after his move to Scotland. The Rangers defender is among several centre-backs competing for places under Mosimane, with the coach facing a different selection challenge at the back compared to the wealth of attacking options available to him.
The bigger picture is encouraging.
South Africa’s 30-man squad for the upcoming international window contains nine players based outside the country.
They are following a path that South African football has increasingly wanted its young players to take — testing themselves against different opponents, adapting to different football cultures and competing for regular places overseas.
For Mosimane, that creates competition. And if the goals, minutes and performances continue, it could give Bafana another dimension as the new coach begins building his team for the back-to-back encounters against Guinea — on Saturday — and Eritrea the following Wednesday.
Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Ime Okon, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Khulumani Ndamane, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olwethu Makhanya, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Thapelo Morena
Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebohang Maboe, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena
Forwards: Cassius Mailula, Iqraam Rayners, Luther Singh, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell, Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Maseko, Themba Zwane, Yanela Mbuthuma.