Confirmed: Bafana Bafana starting lineup against Kenya: Mosimane opts for experience

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Confirmed: Bafana Bafana starting lineup against Kenya: Mosimane opts for experience
Bafana Bafana lineup ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener against Mexico. Photo: Imago

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has named an experienced lineup for his team’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya.

South Africa host Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena from 18:00 and Mosimane has retained largely the squad that he started his reign with.

Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Oswin Appollis.
Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Oswin Appollis.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams retains his spot despite recent doubts after returning from an injury last weekend while at full-back, Thabang Matuludi is at right-back and Aubrey Modiba at left-back.

Who else is in the Bafana starting XI?

In central defence, Ime Okon continues to be trusted and will partner Olwethu Makhanya as Mbekezeli Mbokazi misses out.

In central midfield, Teboho Mokoena makes a return and will play alongside Yaya Sithole with Relebohile Mofokeng just ahead of them in the No.10 role.

Tshepang Moremi in training for Bafana Bafana.
Tshepang Moremi in training for Bafana Bafana. Image: SAFA

Meanwhile, in attack, Oswin Appollis will start on the left wing, Tshepang Moremi on the right, while Iqraam Rayners leads the line.

Benni opts for a young Kenyan team

Meanwhile, Mccarthy has named a largely young squad for the clash with goalkeeper Byrne Omondi keeping his spot as well as full-backs Abud Omar and Ronney Onyango but he has opted for three central defenders in Frank Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino and youngster Amos Wanjala.

Kenya's Harambee Stars train at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars train at Orlando Amstel Arena. Image: FKF Media

There are surprises in midfield where Armenia-based Alwyn Tera makes a rare start alongside William Lenkupae while Adam Wilson and Job Ochieng will play on the wings as captain Michael Olunga leads the line.

Bafana Bafana are looking for a third straight win in the AFCON qualifiers, having beated Guinea 2-1 and thrashed Eritrea 5-0 while Kenya are yet to win after starting with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea before losing 1-0 away to Guinea.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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