Mosimane Names Ndlovu to Bafana Squad
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has finalised a 27-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, adding Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Siyanda Ndlovu.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Soccer
Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane announced a final 27-man squad on Thursday at SABC Studios for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification fixtures. Mosimane added Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Siyanda Ndlovu, who was not part of the preliminary squad announced in recent weeks.
Why it matters
The call-up gives Ndlovu a place in the national squad ahead of two qualifiers against Harambee Stars. Mosimane said a call-up does not guarantee a player will feature, but that it recognises a player's contribution and shows the coach is watching them.
Ndlovu reportedly claimed Man of the Match three or four times in a row for Mamelodi Sundowns, according to the squad announcement coverage. The source does not specify the exact matches or whether these awards came in domestic or continental competition.
The players
Pitso Mosimane
Pitso Mosimane is the head coach of the South African men's national football team, Bafana Bafana, and a former coach of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Siyanda Ndlovu
Siyanda Ndlovu is a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns who was added to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The details
Mosimane explained the selection on SABC Sport shortly after announcing the squad. Bafana Bafana host Harambee Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 13 November 2026, at 18:00, before the return fixture in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.
Timeline
Preliminary squad announced in recent weeks without Siyanda Ndlovu.
Final 27-man squad announced on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at SABC Studios.
Home fixture against Harambee Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 13 November 2026, at 18:00.
Return fixture in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.
Season Trajectory
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are the next competitive test for Bafana Bafana, and this squad finalises the group ahead of the home fixture against Harambee Stars. Selections made now shape the national team's preparation for the qualifying campaign.
Fantasy managers tracking South African football should note Ndlovu's inclusion as a possible starter given his recent form. Fans planning to attend the Johannesburg home match can plan around the 18:00 kick-off on 13 November.
The takeaway
Squad inclusion is not a guarantee of playing time, so readers should watch the team sheets for both qualifiers rather than assume a starting role.
What happens next
Bafana Bafana host Harambee Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 13 November 2026, at 18:00, followed by the return fixture in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.
Further reading
Follow the latest selection news in our Soccer coverage for more on Bafana Bafana's qualifying campaign.
