Pitso Mosimane hands Bafana opportunities to new faces ahead of AFCON qualifiers

South Africa are scheduled to face Benni McCarthy's Kenya twice next month, with Mosimane looking to maintain his positive start in charge of the national team.

Bafana began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea before recording an emphatic 5-0 win against Eritrea. They also secured a 1-0 victory in a friendly match in Egypt, giving Mosimane encouraging early results as he continues to assess his options.

Aden McCarthy has earned a place in the preliminary selection following his performances for Azerbaijani club Sabah FK, including his involvement in the UEFA Champions League. The former Kaizer Chiefs defender will be hoping to translate his club form into an opportunity with the senior national team.

Orlando Pirates striker Radiopane has also been included, offering another attacking option as Mosimane considers his final squad for the two encounters.

There are also returns for midfielder Luke Le Roux and defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, while uncapped duo Nkosikhona Radebe of AmaZulu and Richards Bay defender Nqaba Xulu have been handed opportunities to impress.

The preliminary squad will, however, be reduced before the qualifiers, meaning the selected players must continue to impress to secure their places in the final group.

With established internationals such as Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane and Lyle Foster also included, Mosimane has a mixture of experience and emerging talent at his disposal.

Bafana Bafana preliminary squad

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), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosikhona Radebe (AmaZulu), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matludi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers), 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 (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 (Union Saint-Gilloise), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol), Devin Titus (Maghreb Fez), Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo), Boitumelo Radiopane (Orlando Pirates), Nqaba Xulu (Richards Bay), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire).