Pitso Mosimane has returned to Bafana Bafana at an interesting time, with a growing number of South Africans playing their football abroad and several arriving in camp in encouraging form.
The headline act is Relebohile Mofokeng, who marked his Bafana recall with his first Europa League goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday. The 21-year-old has made an impressive start to his European adventure after leaving Orlando Pirates, scoring four goals since moving to Belgium. Mofokeng is also one of the players Mosimane has spoken about as part of the next generation he wants to develop, having already highlighted his versatility and ability to influence games from different positions.
Maseko and Dithejane Making Their Mark
Thapelo Maseko is beginning to find his feet in Denmark after joining FC Copenhagen from Mamelodi Sundowns. He scored twice in his first start for the club during their 5-0 victory over OB earlier this month, an early indication of what he can offer in a new environment. Maseko was one of Bafana's standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring the winning goal against South Korea, and his move to Europe gives him another platform to develop.
Puso Dithejane has arguably been one of the biggest beneficiaries of a move abroad. The Chicago Fire attacker has been rewarded for a strong run of form in Major League Soccer, including being named the club's player of the month for July and August. His performances earned him a first senior Bafana call-up under Mosimane and could give the coach another attacking option during the upcoming international window.
Options Growing at the Back Too
The overseas contingent extends beyond the players grabbing the goals. Olwethu Makhanya has established himself at Scottish giants Rangers after making the move from Stellenbosch, while Shandre Campbell continues his European journey with Belgian side KV Kortrijk. Campbell joined Kortrijk from Club Brugge after making 11 Belgian Pro League appearances last season, another sign of the growing number of young South Africans testing themselves outside the country.
Makhanya represents an important addition to the defensive options after his move to Scotland. The Rangers defender is among several centre-backs competing for places under Mosimane, who faces a different selection challenge at the back compared to the wealth of attacking options available to him.
A Squad Reshaped by Experience Abroad
South Africa's 30-man squad for the upcoming international window contains nine players based outside the country, including Mofokeng, Maseko, Dithejane, Makhanya and Campbell. They are following a path South African football has increasingly wanted its young players to take: testing themselves against different opponents, adapting to different football cultures and competing for regular places overseas.
For Mosimane, that creates competition. And if the goals, minutes and performances continue, it could give Bafana another dimension as the new coach begins building his team.
