Bafana’s Final Squad Announced For World Cup Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

The matches are scheduled for 5 and 9 September at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Pirates Players Earn Spots

The squad features several players from Orlando Pirates, including the highly-rated defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Mbokazi has been in excellent form at the start of the season, captaining the team in the absence of the injured Nkosinathi Sibisi and leading them to the MTN8 final.

He is joined by teammate Kamogelo Sebelebele, who has scored three goals in his last four matches. Other Pirates players called up are Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Former Pirates attacker Mohau Nkota, who left the club in the off-season, has also earned a recall to the national team.

Mdu Shabalala is the only player included from Kaizer Chiefs, even though they are yet to concede a goal in four league matches and sit joint top of the Betway Premiership table.

Sundowns Stars Return

Players from Mamelodi Sundowns are back in the squad after being left out of the two friendly matches in June due to the FIFA Club World Cup. The returnees include captain Ronwen Williams, along with Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Iqraam Rayners.