South Africa will welcome Benni McCarthy’s Kenyan side in Soweto on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November.

The home crowd is expected to play its part in helping Bafana maintain their strong start to the qualifying campaign.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi playing for his club Chicago Fire in the USA. Photo: X

The return of Mbokazi and Mbatha will provide Mosimane with a timely boost as he prepares his charges for two important encounters. Both players were part of South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign but missed the previous national team camp through injury.

Mosimane is expected to announce his final squad in the coming days, with the selected players facing a demanding international window against a Kenyan team coached by former Bafana Bafana striker McCarthy.

South Africa head into the November fixtures in a commanding position in Group D after making an impressive start to their AFCON qualifying campaign in September. Bafana defeated Guinea 2-1 in Johannesburg before producing a dominant 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Egypt.

Thalente Mbatha at the FIFA World Cup. Photo: X

The team also recorded a notable 1-0 win over Egypt in Cairo during the same international window, further underlining their growing confidence and ability to deliver away from home.

With momentum on their side, Bafana will be eager to collect maximum points against Kenya and strengthen their grip on the group as they pursue qualification for the 2027 continental showpiece.

However, McCarthy’s side will be determined to make life difficult for the South Africans, setting the stage for a fascinating contest between two teams with plenty at stake.

Pitso Mosimane. Photo: X

With Bafana enjoying a positive run of results and qualification firmly in their sights, the home fixture presents an opportunity for South African supporters to get behind the team as the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gathers pace.

The home fixture at the Orlando Arena in Soweto will kick-off at 18:00 on 13 November.

Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for Kenya Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thakasani Mbanjwa (Golden Arrows)

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosikhona Radebe (AmaZulu), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers FC), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aden McCarthy (Sabah FK)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Cercle Brugge)

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol), Devin Titus (Maghreb Fès), Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo), Boitumelo Radiopane (Orlando Pirates), Nqaba Xulu (Richards Bay), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg