Newly appointed Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has said he aims to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Hugo Broos. However, a growing injury list and concerns about the form and fitness of several established players could force him to make changes sooner than anticipated.
His first assignment is against Guinea in an AFCON qualifier on 23 September, followed by a match against Eritrea in Cairo four days later. Bafana then play Egypt in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.
The more pressing concerns are in defence. Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while his teammate Zuko Mdunyelwa was stretchered off on Wednesday.
The absence of injured Chicago Fire star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, arguably South Africa’s best left-sided centre-back, and Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi leaves Mosimane with significant gaps to fill. Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley has yet to return after spending 18 months out of action.
There are equally serious concerns in midfield. Jayden Adams, who passed away in July, had established himself as a key figure in the middle of the park. With Bucs midfielder Thalente Mbatha also unavailable, Bafana suddenly find themselves short on options in a crucial department.
Mosimane faces another selection headache up front.
Evidence Makgopa is sidelined, while Lyle Foster has not played competitive football recently and has moved to Major League Soccer. Iqraam Rayners has only started two games this season out of a possible eight, scoring one goal, potentially forcing the coach to identify a new centre-forward.
While the situation presents Mosimane with several early challenges, it could open the door for players who have been waiting patiently on the fringes of the national team.
Here are five players who could benefit from Bafana’s current injury crisis.
Olwethu Makhanya is beginning to establish himself following his recent move and has made a positive start at his new club. He was part of Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad and does not appear to be far behind the team’s established centre-backs in terms of quality.
OLWETHU MAKHANYA
It must have been difficult for Broos to choose between Makhanya and Ime Okon when finalising his World Cup squad.
The former Philadelphia Union defender’s biggest advantage is his ability to operate on either side of central defence. Although naturally right-footed, he is comfortable using both feet and could help cover the void left by Mbokazi.
RUSHINE DE REUCK
Khulumani Ndamane may still be slightly ahead of him in the pecking order, having featured at the World Cup. However, the Sundowns defender needs regular club football to cement his place in the national team.
The Tanzanian Premier League may not rank among the continent’s strongest competitions, but Rushine De Reuck has stood head and shoulders above many defenders in the East African country.
The Simba SC captain will lead his side in the CAF Champions League, giving Mosimane and his technical team an opportunity to assess him against some of Africa’s best clubs.
De Reuck has earned 17 international caps and featured regularly during the early stages of Broos’s tenure. His last appearance for Bafana came against Angola in an international friendly in November 2022.
Injuries and a dip in form eventually cost him his place in the national team. However, he enjoyed an injury-free campaign last season and has continued from where he left off this term. With several central defenders unavailable, the 30-year-old could force his way back into the conversation.
Mike Sebelebele appears to be one of the leading candidates to fill the void at right-back. The Orlando Pirates defender was part of Bafana’s World Cup squad, which should give him an edge over Amakhosi’s Thabiso Monyane, who missed out on the global showpiece.
Sebelebele’s versatility also strengthens his case. He is capable of operating as a full-back or wing-back and can provide the energy and attacking threat Bafana usually get from Mudau.
MIKE SEBELEBELE
Monyane remains a genuine option, while Thabang Matuludi could also enter the conversation if he quickly regains match fitness. The Polokwane City defender is back in training and will need competitive minutes before he can be seriously considered.
Mdunyelwa’s injury is particularly unfortunate, as the Sundowns defender could have provided Mosimane with another exciting alternative.
Lebohang Maboe could fit almost seamlessly into Mosimane’s midfield. The coach knows him well, trusts him and understands exactly what he can offer.
LEBOHANG MABOE
Maboe also brings experience and has been producing encouraging performances for Kaizer Chiefs. He came close to making the World Cup squad, suggesting he was already on the fringes of the national team under Broos. With Adams and Mbatha unavailable, this could be Maboe’s opportunity to return to the Bafana fold. His versatility, tactical intelligence and familiarity with Mosimane’s methods could all work in his favour.
CASSIUS MAILULA
Cassius Mailula should be among the leading candidates for a recall in attack. Following his return to Sundowns after difficult spells abroad, the forward has already scored four goals this season.
He has made four starts and a further four appearances from the bench, gradually rediscovering the confidence and sharpness that made him one of the country’s most exciting attackers before his departure.
Mailula had already begun making his way into the national team before moving overseas, earning two Bafana caps.
With Makgopa injured, Foster short of competitive football and Rayners playing second fiddle at the Brazilians, the door may have opened for Mailula to stake his claim.