Pitso Mosimane has named his first preliminary South Africa squad, offering a recall to several players who were overlooked by his predecessor Hugo Broos. The new Bafana Bafana coach's selection signals a potential shift in philosophy as the team sits second in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three games. The squad was announced ahead of a key home qualifier against Guinea on September 26, a match where South Africa will look to improve on a recent run of one win, two draws, and two defeats.
Gift Links, the 27-year-old winger now with Denmark's AGF, is among the most notable inclusions. He last played for South Africa in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in September 2021 and was consistently omitted by Broos, who had a stated preference for European-based players. Thembinkosi Lorch, a versatile attacking midfielder now at Libya's Al-Ittihad, also returns after being repeatedly snubbed by the former coach despite a return to form. Mosimane was in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns when Lorch won the 2018-19 PSL Footballer of the Year, and the coach praised him highly at the time.
Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, a consistent scorer now with Moroccan side MAS Fès, earns a recall after starring at the 2023 COSAFA Cup but being overlooked for the senior side. Forward Victor Letsoalo, 33, has started the domestic season with four goals in five games for TS Galaxy and finds himself back in contention. The preliminary list also includes Chicago Fire FC's new signing Puso Dithejane, a 22-year-old winger receiving his first senior call-up.
Mamelodi Sundowns provide several key names, including winger Tashreeq Matthews and the returning Cassius Mailula. Mailula, 25, rejoined Sundowns from Toronto FC this season and made an immediate impact with four goals in his first 454 minutes of action. Defender Lebone Seema, 23, is included after playing a key role in Orlando Pirates' title success last season, while teammate Yanela Mbuthuma is also in the squad following a strong start to the 2025 campaign.
Experienced Europe-based forward Luther Singh of AEL Limassol is considered one of Bafana's most consistent performers abroad and retains his place. Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebo Maboe, who was in Broos's preliminary World Cup squad but was later cut, is another player fans have argued deserves better national team representation and is now back in the frame.
Not every player will benefit immediately from the coaching change. Centre-back Keanu Cupido of Mamelodi Sundowns sustained a fractured collarbone in a match against Kaizer Chiefs in May and is currently unavailable. The team's form is also a concern, with the most recent result a 1-0 home defeat to Canada on June 28. They currently trail group leaders Mexico by five points, making the upcoming match against Guinea vital for their qualification hopes. Fans can track the team's progress and check the full fixtures schedule on our site.
Mosimane, who previously coached South Africa from 2010 to 2012 and has won three CAF Champions League titles, succeeds Hugo Broos. Broos led the team for over five years, guiding them to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. His tenure was marked by a clear selection policy. "Broos repeatedly stated his preference for moves to Europe over transfers to other leagues for his players," the former coach said, explaining his approach. The new coach's first task is to build cohesion ahead of the Guinea match, and supporters can view the latest squad information as preparations begin.
