Ashley Cupido Pushes for Bafana Bafana Recall
The 25-year-old striker is eyeing a national team spot following a productive loan stint in Israel.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Soccer
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Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido is seeking a return to the Bafana Bafana squad after scoring six goals in his first eight matches for SC Kiryat Yam. The 25-year-old forward moved to the Israeli Liga Leumit club on loan to gain consistent playing time.
Why it matters
National team head coach Pitso Mosimane has identified a lack of available strikers, opening a potential door for Cupido to return to the international setup. The loan move was specifically designed to provide the forward with an environment to develop and score regularly.
Ashley Cupido has recorded six goals across eight matches since joining SC Kiryat Yam. The 25-year-old was previously part of the Bafana Bafana setup in 2026.
The players
Ashley Cupido
He is a 25-year-old professional footballer who is currently on loan at SC Kiryat Yam from Stellenbosch FC.
Pitso Mosimane
He serves as the head coach of the South African national football team, Bafana Bafana.
The details
Cupido remains on the books at Stellenbosch FC and moved to SC Kiryat Yam to secure more frequent game time. He is now looking to translate this form into a call-up for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
Timeline
Ashley Cupido served as a member of the Bafana Bafana squad during 2026.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea are approaching.
Season Trajectory
Cupido's resurgence in the Israeli Liga Leumit provides a boost to the striker depth available to the national team coaching staff. His form creates competition for attacking roles ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
Cupido’s form forces a decision on whether to integrate his goal-scoring record into the national team's attack. His availability increases the tactical options for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The takeaway
Consistent playing time in a new league can act as a catalyst for a player to rejuvenate their international career. Supporters should watch for squad announcements as coaches search for depth ahead of continental competitions.
Further reading
For more updates on the national squad, explore the South Africa Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kick Off.
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Should a player's recent scoring success in an international lower league qualify them for national selection?
