Mamelodi Sundowns winger Siyanda Ndlovu and forward Iqraam Rayners have been named in the final Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya. Ndlovu's inclusion is the most notable, as the 23-year-old was not part of the preliminary squad announced last month but forced his way in with his club form.
Coach Pitso Mosimane defended the late selection, pointing to Ndlovu's performances for the league leaders. "The preliminary squad is not a binding document and does not limit the technical team's options when finalising the group," Mosimane said.
Ndlovu has three goals and two assists in 15 appearances for Sundowns this season and has earned multiple Man of the Match awards. His club is in imperious form, sitting first in the Premier Soccer League with 26 points from 10 games, having won eight, drawn two, and lost none. Their recent 1-0 win over Golden Arrows on Tuesday 3 November, where Rayners scored the winner, extended a run of three consecutive victories, part of an unbeaten streak of five matches comprising three wins and two draws. The team has scored 27 goals and conceded just nine this season, giving them a commanding goal difference of plus 18. Rayners, the club's top scorer with four goals in seven appearances, adds further firepower to the national team.
Mamelodi Sundowns remain the most represented club in the Bafana Bafana setup. Alongside Ndlovu and Rayners, the squad includes Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, defender Aubrey Modiba, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Defender Fawaaz Basadien, midfielder Bathusi Aubaas, and forwards Cassius Mailula and Tashreeq Matthews complete a strong contingent from the domestic champions.
South Africa top Group D with six points from two matches, having beaten Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0. Their next qualifiers are a double-header against Kenya, who have already qualified as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament. Bafana Bafana host Kenya at Orlando Stadium on November 13 before the return leg in Nairobi on November 17. The squad also sees the return from injury of Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
For Sundowns, the focus briefly shifts from domestic dominance to international duty. With a one-point lead at the top of the standings over Orlando Pirates, the form of their players on national team duty will be closely watched by supporters. The team's goal minutes in the league stand at 23, with an average of 2.3 goals per game. The club's defensive record is equally strong, having conceded only 4 goals in their 10 matches so far. Upon their return, the league leaders will prepare for their next fixture away to ninth-placed Kruger United on Saturday 28 November.
The report in full is at Briefly News
