The Bafana Bafana camp in Johannesburg is taking shape as the final overseas-based players are expected to report for duty this evening, completing the squad ahead of a busy international schedule.
Following their weekend club commitments abroad, the remaining players are making their way to South Africa as the national team begins preparations for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
With the squad coming together under the technical team, attention will now turn towards tactical preparations, team cohesion and ensuring the players are ready for a demanding run of fixtures.
Bafana Bafana Prepare for Group D Challenge
South Africa will begin their AFCON qualifying campaign at home before travelling to Egypt for their second Group D fixture.
Bafana Bafana’s upcoming schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, 26 September 2026 – 18:00
2027 AFCON Qualifier | Group D
🇿🇦 South Africa vs 🇬🇳 Guinea
Orlando Stadium, Soweto - Wednesday, 30 September 2026 – 18:00
2027 AFCON Qualifier | Group D
🇪🇷 Eritrea vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
Al-Salam Stadium, Cairo - Sunday, 4 October 2026 – 20:00
International Friendly
🇪🇬 Egypt vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
Cairo International Stadium
The opening two matches will carry particular importance as Bafana Bafana look to make a positive start to their Group D campaign.
Returning Faces Add Interest to Squad
The squad includes a mixture of experienced domestic players and South African talent based abroad, with the return of Luther Singh among the notable talking points.
Cassius Mailula is also part of the group, adding further attacking options as the technical team works on preparations for the upcoming fixtures.
Singh spoke to the media following his arrival, outlining his desire to make an impact and carry his club form onto the international stage.
The returning players will now have an opportunity to work alongside their teammates during the final preparations before matchday.
Focus Turns to Guinea
With the final overseas-based players expected in camp this evening, Bafana Bafana can now concentrate fully on Saturday’s opening assignment against Guinea.
The match at Orlando Stadium will mark the beginning of South Africa’s latest journey towards continental qualification, with supporters set to play an important role from the stands.
The technical team will use the coming days to fine-tune the squad’s approach as Bafana Bafana prepare for a demanding sequence of matches across South Africa and Egypt.
