The South Africa senior men's national football team, Bafana Bafana, have released their provisional squad set to face Harambee Stars in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe two nations will face off in back-to-back matches, with South Africa hosting the first leg at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, 13 November, before the battle shifts to Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November.Gor Mahia captain on competition from Frank, Kibwage after overcoming two-month injuryAhead of the successive matches, Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has named a 38-man provisional squad that will kick-start preparations for the crucial encounters.Reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the list with 13 players coming from the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe-backed side.##NAJAVA_MECA_10055697##Mosimane has received a major boost after defenders Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire and Orlando Pirates' Thalante Mbatha, who were part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad and missed the last camp with injury, make a return to the fold.Heading into the encounter, the 1996 African champions sit at the top of Group D with six points following wins in their opening two matches.Price and where to buy tickets for Kenya U23 vs Ivory Coast AFCON qualifierSouth Africa battled to a 2-1 win over Guinea in Johannesburg before thumping Eritrea 5-0 in a match played in Egypt.Having also secured a 1-0 win over Egypt in a friendly during the September international window, Bafana Bafana will be carrying massive confidence heading into their matches against Kenya.##NAJAVA_MECA_10055713##Harambee Stars, on the other hand, sit at the bottom of Group D with a single point, gained from their 1-1 draw at home to Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea away in Conakry.The clash will carry extra significance for the two teams as Harambee Stars are coached by Bafana Bafana legend and all-time goalscorer Benni McCarthy.Boost for AFC Leopards as Gambian striker returns ahead of Shabana clashThe former Manchester United forwards’ coach will be out to give a good account of his team and himself in front of a familiar home crowd.Bafana Bafana Provisional SquadGoalkeepersRonwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thakasani Mbanjwa (Golden Arrows).Defenders Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosikhona Radebe (AmaZulu), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matludi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), Aden McCarthy (Sabah FK, Azerbaijan).MidfieldersTeboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Cercle Brugge).ForwardsIqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint- Gilloise, Belgium), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol), Devin Titus (Maghreb Fez, Morocco), Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo, USA), Boitumelo Radiopane (Orlando Pirates), Nqaba Xulu (Richards Bay), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, USA)
69