Broos Recalls Mudau As He Announced Squad For Zimbabwe And Rwanda WC Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has recalled Mamelodi Sundowns right back Khuliso Mudau to the national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda this month.

Mudau missed the September qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria due to issues with his club, but those matters have since been resolved. Having returned to action for Sundowns, the defender is now back in the Bafana squad.

Key Squad Changes for Bafana Bafana

Broos has also brought back Siphephelo Sithole, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabang Matuludi, Malibongwe Khoza, and Thapelo Moreni, who were all absent in the previous international window.

One notable absentee is Siyabonga Ngezana, who picked up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers. Although the suspension would have ruled him out against Zimbabwe, Broos opted to leave him out of the squad completely.

Bafana Bafana Under Pressure After FIFA Points Deduction

South Africa head into these fixtures under immense pressure following FIFA’s decision to dock three points after ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured against Lesotho in March. The ruling awarded Lesotho a 3-0 win, dropping Bafana from the top of Group C.

As a result, Benin have moved into first place on goal difference, though both teams remain tied on 14 points.

Qualification Still Within Reach

To keep their World Cup hopes alive, Bafana Bafana must collect maximum points against both Zimbabwe (at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October) and Rwanda (at Mbombela Stadium) four days later.

In the CAF World Cup qualifiers, only group winners secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The four best runners-up will earn a second chance via a playoff round.