Left out of the preliminary squad, Mamelodi Sundowns striker Siyanda Ndlovu is among the 27 players named by head coach Pitso Mosimane for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Kenya. Mbekezeli Mbokazi makes his return.
Pitso Mosimane unveiled a 27-man squad on Thursday for the two 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures against Kenya, the Daily Dispatch reports. The Bafana head coach has brought in Siyanda Ndlovu, the Mamelodi Sundowns striker who was not on the preliminary list of 23 October.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the Chicago Fire centre-back, is also back in the group.
Ndlovu picked on form
Sundowns striker Ndlovu has been selected on the strength of his form. According to the South African daily, he has been named man of the match “three or four times in a row” for Sundowns.
Mosimane himself explained the call: “With Ndlovu, when you see the man of the match, I think three or four times in a row, you cannot ignore that.”
The head coach also recalled the case of Tshepang Moremi, called up as a replacement after missing out on the preliminary list. He went on to play against Egypt. “We don’t have to be bound by a preliminary list. You remember last time Tshepang Moremi was not on the preliminary list but played against Egypt,” Mosimane insisted.
Mbokazi, back from the World Cup
Mbekezeli Mbokazi rejoins the squad after starring at the World Cup in June. The Chicago Fire centre-back had missed Mosimane’s first camp, in September and early October.
The list also confirms the presence of captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, both recently injured with Sundowns. They will be given time for a medical decision.
A record and two fixtures
Under Mosimane, South Africa beat Guinea 2-1 in qualifying, thrashed Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo and then won 1-0 in a friendly against Egypt, according to the Daily Dispatch.
The schedule puts South Africa against Kenya on 13 November at Orlando Stadium, followed by a trip to Nyayo National Stadium on 17 November, according to lolwetv.co.ke.