Bafana Bafana Announces Strong Preliminary Squad for October World Cup Qualifiers
South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, is gearing up for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month. Head coach Hugo Broos has announced a strong preliminary squad, featuring a mix of experienced players and young talent.
The team will face Zimbabwe on October 10 at 3 PM CAT at Moses Mabhida Stadium, before hosting Rwanda four days later at 6 PM CAT at Mbombela Stadium. These matches are crucial for Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification hopes.
The preliminary squad includes notable returns, such as Sphephelo Sithole, who last played for Bafana during their third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast. Orlando Pirates attacker Tshepang Moremi has also earned a place in the squad after impressing in the MTN8 final, where he scored a brace and assisted a goal in a 3-0 win against Stellenbosch.
Some players have been omitted from the squad, including Nyiko Mobbie, who sustained a head collision during the qualifier against Lesotho. However, Khuliso Mudau is now available for selection at right-back after resolving his contractual issues with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The preliminary squad features 45 players, including overseas-based stars like Lyle Foster (Burnley), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), and Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth). If Bafana Bafana wins both matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, they will secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, regardless of the outcome of FIFA’s investigation into Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates], Rarren Johnson [AmaZulu FC], Renaldo Leaner [Sekhukhune United].
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba, Malibongwe Khoza [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Thabang Matuludi [Polokwane City], Thabiso Monyane [Kaizer Chiefs], Thabo Molisane [Stellenbosch FC], Khulumani Ndamane [TS Galaxy], Samukelo Kabini [Molde FC, Norway], Keegan Allan [AmaZulu FC], Vuyo Letlapa [Sekhukhune United], Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezile Mbokazi [All Orlando Pirates], Ime Okon.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Jayden Adams [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Luke Le Roux [Portsmouth FC, England], Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, Sipho Mbule [all Orlando Pirates], Siphesihle Mkhize [Sekhukhune United], Ndamulelo Maphangule [Polokwane City], Sphephelo Sithole [CD Tondela, Portugal].
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Thapelo Morena [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Mduduzi Shabalala [Kaizer Chiefs], Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi [all Orlando Pirates], Mohau Nkotya [Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia], Lyle Foster [Burnley, England], Puso Dithejane [TS Galaxy], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United, USA], Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol, Cyprus], Ashley Cupido, Devin Titus [all Stellenbosch FC, Keletso Makgalwa [Sekhukhune United].
