The experienced coach took charge of South Africa on Tuesday, replacing Belgian Hugo Broos, but there has been little time for settling in. With a busy international window looming, Mosimane has already turned his attention to a demanding run of fixtures that will begin with the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.

Bafana will open their qualifying campaign at home against Guinea on Saturday, 26 September, before heading onto the road for a meeting with Eritrea four days later on Wednesday, 30 September.

Ronwen Williams - Morgan Piek

The national team will then remain away from home, with Egypt providing the opposition in an international friendly on 4 October.

It promises to be a significant first test for Mosimane, who inherits a squad fresh from an encouraging 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

South Africa reached the second round of the global showpiece, and Mosimane has opted to retain much of the core that helped Bafana make their mark on the world stage.

Teboho Mokoena - Morgan Piek

There are, however, some notable names missing from the preliminary squad, with injuries ruling out several players who featured at the World Cup.

The upcoming fixtures will also carry an emotional weight for the national team. Bafana will play their first match since the death of midfielder Jayden Adams, who was laid to rest in Stellenbosch in July.

While Mosimane has leaned heavily on experience, he has also opened the door for the next generation.

Several younger players have been included in the wider squad and could also come into consideration for Raymond Mdaka's South African Under-23 side when that squad is announced in the coming weeks.

That overlap is no coincidence. Mosimane and Mdaka, together with their respective technical teams, are understood to be maintaining close communication as South African football looks to build a stronger pathway between the national teams.

For Mosimane, though, the immediate priority is clear: get Bafana firing again, negotiate a tricky qualifying campaign and build on the momentum generated at the World Cup.

Oswin Appollis - X

His first squad therefore offers an early glimpse into his thinking — a blend of proven international performers, emerging talent and continuity as South Africa begins another chapter under one of its most decorated coaches.

Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Khulumani Ndamane

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lebohang Maboe, Cemran Dansin, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Brooklyn Poggenpoel

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Yanela Mbuthuma, Lyle Foster, Cassius Mailula, Oswin Appollis, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Ronaldo van Neel, Thapelo Maseko, Tshepang Moremi, Luther Singh, Shandre Campbell

Morgan Piek OFM Sport