Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has defended his decision to include Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams in his 27-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Both Mamelodi Sundowns players are reportedly carrying injuries, raising questions about their availability for South Africa’s important matches against Kenya. However, Mosimane believes it would be premature to leave them out before receiving a definitive medical assessment. The experienced coach wants to give both players enough time to recover before making changes to his selection. His decision reflects the importance of Mokoena and Williams to the national team and the need to manage injuries carefully during a demanding international period.

Mokoena and Williams have become important figures in the Bafana Bafana setup through their consistent performances and leadership. Mokoena provides strength, energy and control in midfield, while Williams offers experience and confidence in goal. Both players have been involved in major campaigns for South Africa, including previous Africa Cup of Nations competitions and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their experience gives the national team valuable stability, particularly when preparing for important qualifying matches. Mosimane believes their contribution goes beyond their individual performances because they understand the team’s expectations and have played important roles in its recent progress.

The coach explained that the national team’s medical department will have an important role in deciding whether the two Sundowns stars can remain in the squad. Rather than making an immediate decision based on reports about their injuries, Mosimane wants to wait for the doctors to provide clear information. He believes the situation could change depending on how the players respond to treatment and whether they recover in time. Excluding them too early could create unnecessary problems if they become available before the international fixtures. The coach therefore prefers to keep them in his plans until the medical team confirms that they cannot participate.

Mosimane also referred to previous selection decisions to explain why he is prepared to make late changes. He mentioned Tshepang Moremi, who received an opportunity to join the national team despite not being part of the provisional squad. Moremi subsequently played against Egypt, showing how coaches can adjust their selections when circumstances change. Mosimane believes this flexibility is important when dealing with injuries and uncertain recovery periods. He does not want to make decisions that could leave the team short of important players when other options remain available.

The coach also raised the possibility that Mokoena and Williams could recover sooner than expected. He pointed to Sundowns’ upcoming CAF Super Cup fixture against USM Alger as an example of why patience matters. If either player becomes available for that match, an early decision to remove them from the Bafana Bafana squad could attract criticism. Mosimane stressed that the national team must communicate with medical professionals rather than react immediately to injury concerns. His approach is to wait for reliable information before deciding whether replacements are necessary.

South Africa face Kenya in two important 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, with the first encounter scheduled for 13 November 2026. The return fixture is set for 17 November 2026. These matches will require careful preparation because every result could influence Bafana Bafana’s position in the qualification campaign. Having experienced players available would strengthen Mosimane’s options, especially in matches where composure and decision-making could prove important. However, the coach must also consider the risks of selecting players who are not fully fit.

Mokoena’s possible absence would be a significant consideration for the midfield, where his ability to compete physically and contribute to the team’s overall structure makes him valuable. Williams also remains an influential figure because of his experience as captain and his importance to the defensive organisation. Losing both players would force Mosimane to consider changes in two key areas of the team. Their potential replacements would need to understand their responsibilities and adapt quickly to the demands of international football. This explains why the coach wants to explore every possibility before making final decisions.

The situation also highlights the challenge of balancing club and international football. Mokoena and Williams have responsibilities at Sundowns while also remaining important members of the national team. Their fitness must be managed carefully to avoid making an existing injury worse. Mosimane’s decision to consult the medical department shows that he recognises the importance of making informed selections. The final decision will depend on the players’ recovery progress and the medical advice available to the coaching staff.

Mosimane’s selection strategy demonstrates his preference for patience rather than rushing into changes. He has made it clear that Mokoena and Williams will receive the benefit of the doubt until the doctors provide a final assessment. Their experience and importance to Bafana Bafana explain why the coach is reluctant to remove them prematurely. At the same time, the national team must remain prepared to bring in replacements if either player fails to recover. With two matches against Kenya approaching, the priority will be to build a competitive squad without taking unnecessary risks with injured players.