South Africa: Mosimane calls up five new players ahead of Guinea clash

Pitso Mosimane has named five new players in South Africa’s final squad to kick off their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Lebone Seema, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane, and Tashreeq Matthews have received their first call-ups to the Bafana Bafana ahead of the match against Guinea on September 26 in Johannesburg.

The South African coach has trimmed a preliminary list of 35 players down to a final group of 30. This initial gathering of his new tenure will also see South Africa face Eritrea on September 30 at a neutral venue in Cairo, followed by a friendly against Egypt on October 4.

The main highlight is the inclusion of these five first-time call-ups. Mosimane has retained a significant portion of the squad that participated in the 2026 World Cup, including Luther Singh, who returns after a five-year absence, while also welcoming players who have made an impact at their clubs since the start of the season.

Puso Dithejane is among the most closely watched profiles. The 22-year-old winger joined Chicago Fire in January after his stint at TS Galaxy. His club reports that he has made 23 appearances, scored four goals, and provided two assists across all competitions in 2026, prior to this first senior selection.

Mosimane’s return to the national team comes after the departure of Hugo Broos. The former coach of Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, a three-time winner of the CAF Champions League, takes charge of the Bafana Bafana for this first international window of the season.

South Africa’s first outing in Group D will take place on September 26 against Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The Bafana Bafana will then travel to Cairo to face Eritrea on September 30, before the friendly match against Egypt on October 4.