By Thebe Mabanga
The South African men’s national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, begin their qualification for African Cup of Nations in 2027 under returning coach Pitso Mosimane against Guinea with little margin for error to preserve their qualification record for continental showpiece. The match takes place at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday at 3 pm.
The other teams in Group D are Eritrea and Kenya. This presents a tricky hurdle as Kenya are tournament hosts and qualify automatically, meaning only one team from the group qualifies for the finals, unlike two in others. There is thus little room for slip ups in a group that Bafana should be considered favourites. Guinea are ranked number 81 on Fifa global rankings while World Cup participants are 59th.
ALSO READ: PA launches Manifesto in Bloemfontein
The Bafana squad contains the core of players who took the team to the knockout stages of the World Cup, including captain Ronwen Williams, midfield mainstay Teboho Mokoena and established central defender Ime Okon.
By far the most exciting prospect is to see Relebohile Mofokeng in action. The former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder has had a flying start to life in Belgium where he now plays for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. His electric pace and devastating touch has seen hm score in his domestic league debut and EUFA Europa League debuts and already has fans chanting his name.
ALSO READ: Fact-finding mission found several challenges in KZN Midlands SASSA Office
Mosimane has worked to ensure squad evolution for the new four-year cycle with the inclusion of new faces Lebone Seema, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane and Tashreeq Matthews. Dithejane teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi miss out due to injury.
Guinea have been beset with challenges which may unsettle the team including problems with visas and key players declining the call up to the current camp. Notable absentees include Naby Keita, Mohamed Mady Camara, Cheick Oumar Conde.
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa expands SIU probe into KZN Transport contracts
In their absence the Syli National, or elephants, will look to Serhou Guirassy, the returning Iliax Moriba and probable debutant Aboubacar Keita.
Bafana have qualified for at least the last four tournaments, winning bronze in 2023 and falling to Cameroon in the round of 16 at the last edition in Morocco.
Dithejane teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi miss out due to injury. At this camp, Kazier Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe pulled out due to injury followed by Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi on the day of the match.
