Bafana Bafana's squad unveiled for the crucial WC qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda
Khuliso Mudau has had scant playing time this season at Mamelodi Sundowns. | BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos unveiled a 23-member squad on Thursday, poised to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The opening match will see Broos' men travelling to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where they will take on Zimbabwe on Friday, 10 October 2025. The team must secure a vital win to keep their World Cup hopes on track.
Following this encounter, Bafana Bafana will return home to Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, where they will host Rwanda on Tuesday, 14 October at 18:00 for their final Group C qualifier.
As the stakes heighten, a cloud of controversy lingers over the side stemming from a recent FIFA ruling. The world body handed Bafana Bafana a 3-0 forfeit loss against Lesotho due to a yellow-card debacle, a decision that has sparked public discourse about accountability within the team.
At Thursday's squad announcement, Coach Broos urged South Africans to move past the blame game, appealing for unity as the team focuses on the upcoming challenges.
Broos, known for his tactical acumen and leadership, remains optimistic about the squad's potential. His selection is a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent, all of whom are eager to wear the national jersey on the international stage.
In Africa, the urgency for points in these qualifiers is critical. Only the CAF group winners will secure a spot at the prestigious tournament in North America next year.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela SC, Portugal), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Forwards: Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC, England), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)