Pitso Mosimane Names Preliminary Bafana Bafana Squad for Kenya AFCON Qualifiers as Former Kaizer Chiefs Star Earns Call-Up

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has reportedly announced his preliminary squad ahead of South Africa’s important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Kenya in November.

The squad features several notable players, including a former Kaizer Chiefs defender, as South Africa prepare for two crucial encounters that could strengthen their position in the qualification race.

According to a report published by Soccer Laduma on Friday, October 23, 2026, Bafana Bafana will face Kenya twice during the November international break, with former South African international striker Benni McCarthy currently in charge of the Kenyan national team.

The upcoming fixtures are expected to provide a significant test for Mosimane's team, which will be determined to maintain its impressive start to the qualifying campaign.

South Africa reportedly began their qualification journey with consecutive victories over Guinea and Eritrea in September, collecting valuable points and establishing early momentum in their pursuit of a place at the 2027 continental tournament.

With confidence growing within the squad, Mosimane will be hoping his players can deliver another strong performance against Kenya and move closer to securing qualification.

The preliminary selection includes several players who were unavailable during the previous FIFA international window, offering the technical team additional options ahead of the upcoming matches.

Among the returning names are Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lyle Foster, whose inclusion could strengthen the team's defensive and attacking departments.

Their presence is expected to increase competition for starting positions as Mosimane evaluates his options before announcing the final squad.

Another notable inclusion is former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy, who currently plays for Sabah FK.

The defender has reportedly attracted attention following an impressive milestone in European football, having scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against German giants Borussia Dortmund.

That achievement has placed him in the spotlight and strengthened his case for international recognition.

McCarthy will now be hoping to impress the Bafana Bafana technical team and secure a place in the final squad for the encounters against Kenya.

Meanwhile, the involvement of Benni McCarthy as Kenya's head coach adds an intriguing storyline to the upcoming double-header.

The former Bafana Bafana striker enjoyed a distinguished international career representing South Africa, and his presence on the opposition bench is expected to generate considerable interest among football supporters.

McCarthy will be aiming to guide Kenya to positive results against his former national team, while Mosimane will be focused on ensuring South Africa continue their winning run.

According to the reported schedule, the first encounter will take place on November 13 at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Bafana Bafana will then travel to Nairobi for the return fixture on November 17, completing two important qualifying matches within four days.

The quick turnaround between the fixtures means South Africa will need to demonstrate tactical awareness, physical readiness and consistency to achieve their objectives.

Mosimane's preliminary squad provides an early indication of the players being considered for the international assignment, although the final selection will determine who ultimately represents the country.

The coach will be hoping that the combination of experienced internationals and emerging talent can provide the balance needed to overcome Kenya.

With qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations remaining the primary objective, Bafana Bafana will be targeting maximum points from both matches.

South African supporters will be eager to see whether Mosimane's squad can maintain its unbeaten qualifying momentum and take another important step towards securing a place at the continental tournament.

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