Pitso Mosimane has named his first Bafana Bafana squad, arriving just days since an appointment overshadowed by a public salary row involving predecessor Hugo Broos.
The 62-year-old takes charge of the South Africa national team for a third time, having previously served as both caretaker and permanent coach.
His provisional squad, confirmed via the official SAFA announcement, was released on Friday ahead of a demanding month of fixtures.
Mosimane names 35-man Bafana squad for AFCON qualifiers
Bafana host Guinea in their opening AFCON qualifier at home on September 23, before travelling to Eritrea on September 27.
The assignment wraps up with a friendly against Egypt in Cairo on October 4.
Mosimane has retained most of the squad from South Africa’s historic World Cup win two months ago, a result Thapelo Maseko inspired.
The 22-year-old’s late strike against South Korea has sent Bafana into the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time, turning a difficult campaign into a defining national moment.
Several injuries to Broos-era regulars have opened the door for newcomers.
Yanela Mbuthuma, Cemran Dansin, Mpho Padime, Tshepo Mashiloane, Puso Dithejane, Lebone Seema, Tashreeq Matthews, Ronaldo Van Neel and Lebohang Maboe have all been included in the extended list.
Bafana prepare for first matches since Jayden Adams’ death
This will also be Bafana Bafana’s first match since the death of Jayden Adams, who was laid to rest in Stellenbosch in July.
Mosimane is expected to trim the squad further before camp begins, with his final list due in the coming days.
Follow NOWinSA for more Bafana Bafana coverage as preparations continue.
ALSO READ: Banyana’s WAFCON win over Nigeria has locked in a further 7,000 sanitary pads for young girls, pushing the Goals4Pads donation total to 8,000.
