Bafana Bafana: South Africa National Team

Bafana Bafana are South Africa’s men’s national football team, coached by Pitso Mosimane since September 2026. South Africa were 48th in the FIFA ranking of 7 October 2026 and lead AFCON 2027 qualifying Group D with six points from two matches. This page covers the qualifying campaign, the 2026 World Cup, the 1996 AFCON title and the latest Bafana Bafana news.

Bafana Bafana AFCON 2027 qualifying

South Africa beat Guinea 2-1 at Orlando Stadium on 26 September 2026 and won 5-0 against Eritrea in Cairo four days later. Kenya are in the same group but have already qualified as co hosts. Bafana Bafana play Kenya twice in November: at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 13 November and in Nairobi on 17 November.

Date	Match	Result
4 October 2026	Egypt v South Africa, friendly, Cairo	Won 1-0
30 September 2026	Eritrea v South Africa, Cairo	Won 5-0
26 September 2026	South Africa v Guinea, Orlando Stadium	Won 2-1

Recent tournaments

At AFCON 2025 in Morocco, South Africa went out in the round of 16, beaten 2-1 by Cameroon on 4 January 2026. At the 2026 World Cup they finished second in Group A with four points and lost 1-0 to Canada in the round of 32 on 28 June.

Tournament	Result
2026 World Cup	Round of 32
AFCON 2025	Round of 16
AFCON titles	1996

Latest Bafana Bafana news

Bafana Bafana FAQ

Who is the Bafana Bafana coach?

Pitso Mosimane is the head coach of Bafana Bafana. He returned to the job in September 2026.

Who is the Bafana Bafana captain?

South Africa share the captaincy between Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane and Sipho Chaine.

Has South Africa won AFCON?

Yes. South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations once, as hosts in 1996.

When do Bafana Bafana play next?

South Africa play Kenya in AFCON 2027 qualifying at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 13 November 2026 and in Nairobi on 17 November.

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