Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Return Comes With a Big Ambition as Guinea Test Looms
Pitso Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana dugout moves into competitive action on Saturday when South Africa begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium.
The Group D encounter, scheduled for a 15:00 kick-off, marks Mosimane’s first competitive match since returning to the national team and comes after Hugo Broos’ departure. Mosimane previously coached Bafana and is now back for another stint in charge.
While securing a place at AFCON 2027 is the immediate objective, Mosimane has made it clear that his ambitions extend beyond simply qualifying, with South Africa targeting a genuine challenge for the continental title.
Bafana will be hoping to begin that journey with a positive result on home soil before travelling to Egypt for their next Group D qualifier against Eritrea on 30 September. Kenya and Eritrea complete the group, with Kenya already assured of a place at the tournament as one of the co-hosts.
Saturday’s fixture also comes with recent World Cup momentum behind Bafana. Under Broos, South Africa reached the knockout stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, following a group campaign that included a win over South Korea and a draw against Czechia.
South Africa begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium (Image: SAFA.net)
Bafana have history against Guinea
South Africa and Guinea have met four times in official internationals, with Guinea winning two of those encounters, Bafana claiming one victory and the other ending in a draw.
The latest senior meeting ended 0-0 in an international friendly in March 2022, while South Africa also defeated Guinea 2-1 during the 2025 African Nations Championship.
Bafana will, however, have to cope without Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, who has been ruled out with an injury. Mosimane confirmed the defender’s absence ahead of the opening qualifier.
With the venue confirmed and the campaign ready to begin, attention now turns to Mosimane’s first competitive assignment of his latest Bafana chapter.
The Guinea clash at Orlando Stadium will provide the first opportunity to see how the returning coach’s plans translate into competitive action as South Africa begin their push for the 2027 AFCON.