Bafana Bafana: Coach Pitso Mosimane, Players, World Cup 2026 and Next Games
Bafana Bafana at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Bafana Bafana (“the boys”) |
| Governing body | SAFA (South African Football Association) |
| Head coach | Pitso Mosimane (from September 2026) |
| Biggest title | Africa Cup of Nations 1996 |
| Recent highlight | First World Cup knockout match, 2026 |
| Recent home venue | Orlando Stadium, Soweto |
The Coach: Pitso Mosimane
Pitso Mosimane, born in Kagiso in 1964, is one of Africa’s most successful coaches. He coached Bafana Bafana before, from 2010 to 2012. He then won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016 and twice with Al Ahly of Egypt, and has coached clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
He started his new spell with a 2-1 win over Guinea in an AFCON qualifier in September 2026, with goals from Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini.
Bafana at the 2026 World Cup
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Mexico v South Africa (group) | Lost 2-0 |
| South Africa v Czechia (group) | Drew 1-1 (Teboho Mokoena penalty) |
| South Africa v South Korea (group) | Won 1-0 (Thapelo Maseko) |
| Canada v South Africa (round of 32, Los Angeles) | Lost 1-0 to a late goal |
Bafana finished second in Group A with four points. Reaching the round of 32 was the first time they had gone past the group stage at a World Cup.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
AFCON 2027 is played in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027. Bafana are in qualifying Group D with Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. Kenya already qualify as co-hosts, so only one more team from Group D goes to the finals: Bafana must finish ahead of Guinea and Eritrea.
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 26 September 2026 | South Africa v Guinea, Orlando Stadium | Won 2-1 (Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini) |
| 30 September 2026 | Eritrea v South Africa, Al Salam Stadium, Cairo | Won 5-0 (Relebohile Mofokeng 2, Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners, Luther Singh) |
| Friday 13 November 2026, 18:00 | South Africa v Kenya, Orlando Stadium, Soweto | Next |
| Tuesday 17 November 2026 | Kenya v South Africa, Nairobi | |
| 2027 | Last two qualifiers (dates to be confirmed by CAF) |
After two games, Bafana led Group D with 6 points, ahead of Guinea on 4 points. The 5-0 win in Cairo, where Eritrea play their home games, was described as South Africa’s biggest away win in AFCON qualifying, and Oswin Appollis made three assists. Kenya are coached by former Bafana striker Benni McCarthy.
See Bafana Bafana vs Kenya and AFCON 2027 for tickets and more.
Players to Know
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Ronwen Williams | Goalkeeper |
| Sipho Chaine | Goalkeeper |
| Teboho Mokoena | Midfielder, scored at the 2026 World Cup |
| Thapelo Maseko | Forward, scored the winner against South Korea |
| Relebohile Mofokeng | Attacking midfielder, Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium |
| Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Centre-back, Chicago Fire in the USA |
| Oswin Appollis | Winger, three assists against Eritrea |
| Iqraam Rayners | Striker |
Squads change for every international window, so check SAFA’s official squad announcement before each match.
Where to Watch Bafana Bafana
Bafana matches are usually shown on SABC and SuperSport. Check both broadcasters’ listings in the week of the match.
Bafana Bafana Questions
Who is the Bafana Bafana coach?
Pitso Mosimane, who returned in September 2026.
How did Bafana do at the 2026 World Cup?
They reached the round of 32 for the first time, then lost 1-0 to Canada.
When is Bafana Bafana’s next game?
South Africa v Kenya at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, on Friday 13 November 2026 at 18:00, then Kenya v South Africa in Nairobi on 17 November.
Are Bafana Bafana top of their AFCON qualifying group?
Yes. After beating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 in September 2026, they led Group D with 6 points.
Have Bafana Bafana won AFCON?
Yes, once, in 1996, when South Africa hosted the tournament.
What does Bafana Bafana mean?
“The boys” in isiZulu.
More soccer: PSL 2026/27 season guide, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
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