Siyanda Ndlovu, Mthetheleli Mthiyane among five in-form PSL stars pushing for Pitso Mosimane's next Bafana Bafana squad

The dawn of Pitso Mosimane's new era at Bafana Bafana represents a seismic, redemptive homecoming for South Africa’s most decorated tactician.

Returning to the national dugout transformed—no longer the young coach of 2010–2012, but a three-time CAF Champions League icon and continental conqueror—"Jingles" brings an unyielding culture of tactical discipline, relentless ambition, and elite standard-setting.

Taking over from Hugo Broos, Mosimane inherits a side with renewed national pride and immediately raises the stakes.

Every pitch in the PSL has transformed into a high-pressure stage where reputation means nothing, and only raw output, hunger, and tactical flexibility earn the right to wear the green and gold.

After Mosimane was finally confirmed as Bafana boss he quickly named his first 35-man preliminary squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

But there were several players plying their trade in the PSL who could consider themselves unlucky not to be called up and will be buckling down to prove a point and muscle their way into the next squad in November's international break.

Ndlovu has been one of the outstanding players in the 2026/27 season after making an immediate impact with his new club, Sundowns.

The attacking midfielder signed with Masandawana in the current transfer window from Golden Arrows, where he established himself as a household name in South African football.

So far, the skillful attacker has featured in nine appearances across all competitions for Miguel Cardoso's charges, scored two goals and provided one assist.

Ndlovu has brought a creative spark to the Sundowns team with his explosive pace, skill and eye for goal.

Now he just needs to prove he can deliver consistently on the domestic, continental and global stages to draw the attention of Pitso Mosimane in an area of the pitch where Bafana are already blessed with options.

The highly-rated midfielder has fitted like a glove at Pirates after joining the Soweto giants in the off-season from Stellenbosch FC.

Mthiyane has quickly become one of the key players at the Mayfair club, helping his side to an impressive unbeaten run across all competitions after he muscled his way into the starting line up.

The former Milford FC star has registered seven appearances for the Sea Robbers so far, and he is well on his way to emulate his idol Patrick Viera by dominating the midfield for both club and country.

The talented right-back, and occasional winger, has emerged as one of the key players for the Durban-based side under the leadership of head coach Arthur Zwane.

Radebe has picked up impressive form at the right time as Bafana are sweating over the absence of undisputed right back king Khuliso Mudau, who sustained a long-term injury at his club, Mamelodi Sundowns.

With Mosimane set to experiment with players such as Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena and Thabang Matuludi, Radebe could be another option should the trio called up fail to live up to expectations.

He has already been capped at U20 & U23 level and with his direct style of play is a modern fullback who is as comfortable attacking the byline as he is defending his goal.

After arriving at Pirates as a relatively unknown signing, Mokobodi has seemingly served a large portion of humble pie to his doubters who questioned his recruitment.

The former Marumo Gallants utility player has been a key figure in Abdeslam Ouaddou's starting line-up at Pirates, making seven appearances across all competitions and chipping in with one goal.

The central midfielder's consistency, and ability to fill in at right back if required, is building a strong case to be considered for Pitso's Bafana Bafana in the future.

The KwaZulu-Natal-born defender is one of the most spoken about players in South Africa's top flight after producing mature, composed performances for the defending Betway Premiership champions whenever he is called upon.

Zulu has formed a solid defensive combination with Lebone Seema while the club's captain, Nkosinathi Sibisi, has been out of action due to an injury.

The centre-back is another new player at the Ghosts after making the big move from Richards Bay FC in July 2026.

After playing four games for far, Zulu is already tipped for a Bafana call-up by pundits and fans alike, although there are some big names in the queue ahead of him.