Sundowns supply almost half of Bafana squad for Kenya double-header

Mosimane reveals 12 Mamelodi Sundowns in 27-man squad with injury doubts for star stars
Pitso Mosimane has revealed his most recent Bafana Bafana squad is dominated by players from one club with 12 members of his 27-man squad playing for Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya, SuperSport reports.
Star players
Leading the charge are captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams plus midfielder Teboho Mokoena. However, both are still battling injuries and are unsure if they’ll be fit for Sundowns’ CAF Super Cup clash with USM Alger on Sunday. Aubrey Modiba and Thapelo Morena provide experience in the full-back positions.
Siya Ndlovu has been included on the last-minute. He wasn’t originally included in the provisional squad but Mosimane stated "One main reason why Siyanda was brought in is because he has been consistently performing as Man of the Match." Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi returns having missed Mosimane’s first camp. Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo) and Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates) also return.
Why sundowns dominate
The lack of balance in the squad wasn’t a surprise to Mosimane who said after naming his initial squad in September that he was shocked Sundowns were providing 13 of his 30 players. While he acknowledged that it may be beneficial for the national team to have a more balanced squad of players from different top clubs, he won’t be changing his choices to limit Sundowns’ dominance. He defended his decision.

While Sundowns are strong they do have a lot in their squad due to their recent success. Sundowns fans have always joked that they are Bafana. However, their coach Miguel Cardoso has said the players should be seen as representing South Africa, and not their club. Due to injuries, Kamogelo Sebelebele (Pirates) is unavailable meaning Morena and Thabang Matuludi (Sundowns) are recognised as the right-backs. Pirates still have five players in the squad with players based abroad such as Mbokazi, Foster and Sphephelo Sithole providing balance.

What it means for Kenya
South Africa are currently leading Group D after beating Guinea and Eritrea. A strong November will see them push for the 2027 finals. Kenya have very little to worry about as they’ve guaranteed their spot in the tournament as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. However, Bafana will be looking to gain points, and will be hoping Williams and Mokoena are fit.
Bafana host Kenya on Friday, 13 November at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. They’ll travel to Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November. Both games will kick-off at 18:00 South African time. Kenya are coached by Benni McCarthy, Bafana’s all-time top scorer meaning Mosimane will be facing a familiar face.