Mosimane appears to have prioritised a familiar spine as he takes charge again. That approach gives South Africa a clearer starting point, particularly with competitive fixtures arriving before the coach has time to make sweeping changes.
The reported squad also includes several players returning after losing their places during Hugo Broos’ tenure, including Fawaz Basadien, Lebohang Maboe, Bathusi Aubaas, Cassius Mailula and Shandre Campbell.
Five players are reportedly unavailable through injury, forcing changes to the group while also opening space for emerging talent. Mosimane’s selection therefore balances experience with a controlled refresh rather than treating the transition as a wholesale reset.
That balance will be tested immediately. A settled core can help South Africa manage the pressure of qualification, but new arrivals must adapt quickly when the margins for error are limited.
South Africa’s Group D campaign starts at home against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on 26 September, before an away meeting with Eritrea on 30 September. Kenya completes the group, making the opening double-header important for establishing early momentum.
After those qualifiers, Mosimane is expected to use a friendly against Egypt as a higher-level assessment. The reported plan gives him two competitive matches to test his structure before facing one of the continent’s strongest sides.
The next storyline is whether Mosimane’s blend of World Cup continuity, returning players and youth can produce points from the first two qualifiers. Those results will define the tone of his return long before the Egypt friendly arrives.