Boost for Kaizer Chiefs? Mosimane gives Amakhosi stars fresh Bafana hope

Newly-appointed Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed his squad selection strategy for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, emphasising continuity over radical changes.

Mosimane was officially presented at SAFA House on Tuesday morning, marking his return for a second spell in charge of South Africa’s senior men’s national team. The celebrated tactician, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, succeeds Hugo Broos, who managed the team from May 2021 to July 2026.

The new coach is tasked with building on the team’s recent success, which has seen them become one of Africa’s most competitive sides.

Under Broos, South Africa secured a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON and made history by reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Speaking to the media, Mosimane confirmed he would not be making drastic alterations to the squad that performed so well on the world stage, though he acknowledged that injuries and emerging talent would necessitate some adjustments.

Mosimane hints at minimal changes

“I’m not carrying the biggest broom to sweep here. We have a very good foundation from the team that went to the World Cup,” Mosimane stated as quoted by FARPost.

“We currently have four or five major injuries to key players who won’t be available. Naturally, we need to replace them, but it’s crucial to understand that time is not on our side.”

𝗡𝗢 𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦, 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗛 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗔

Pitso Mosimane outlines his selection strategy for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, addressing key injuries and doors opening for overseas stars.

"We have a… pic.twitter.com/o6C0XaqfuR

— FARPost (@FARPostZA) September 3, 2026

The veteran coach noted that while addressing the injury crisis is the priority, he is also monitoring promising players plying their trade abroad.

“While replacing those injured players, we are also keeping a close eye on a few emerging talents who are doing exceptionally well abroad,” he explained. “We know who they are, and we are looking into them, but our immediate focus remains the two upcoming AFCON qualifiers.”

Mosimane outlined a plan to use a post-qualifier friendly to give fringe players a chance to prove their worth.

Friendly to assess more Bafana players

“Following those games, we will have a friendly match where we can offer opportunities to players who haven’t had much game time. Players like [Samukelo] Kabini haven’t really been given a chance yet, so we need to assess them,” he said with Bafana set to face Egypt next month.

“There are players who were part of the World Cup squad but didn’t get minutes. We obviously have a core starting unit that you and I both know must lead us through these AFCON qualifiers, but as we progress, we will open the door for others.

“Fortunately, having that friendly match right after the two qualifiers allows us to test players who have been performing well internationally and competing at a high level. That is the immediate plan.”

Will Kaizer Chiefs quarter increase?

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns players have formed the bulk of the Bafana Bafana squad during the reign of Broos and with Mosimane keen not to make wholesale changes, that is set to continue.

Kaizer Chiefs have had players raising their hands for a call-up but they have consistently missed out with only Bradley Cross included in the World Cup squad. It remains to be seen if the quarter of Amakhosi stars will increase when Mosimane names his first squad.

Mosimane’s second tenure as Bafana Bafana coach will begin with an AFCON qualifier against Guinea on September 23, 2026, followed by a match against Eritrea on September 27.