Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his 23-man squad to face Namibia and DR Congo in friendly matches at home next month.
Yesterday, SAFA confirmed that Orlando Stadium, in Soweto, will host the national team’s two international friendly matches.
Broos’ troops will welcome Namibia on Saturday, 9 September 2023. The kick-off is set for 15:00.
South Africa will then face DR Congo on Tuesday, 12 September at 17h00. The two friendly international matches are part of the preparations for the 2023 AFCON, due to be held in Ivory Coast in January next year.
The draw of the 2023 AFCON will be conducted on Thursday, 12 October 2023.
To add to that, these friendlies also form part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November 2023.
Broos trimmed his initial 36-member preliminary squad to 23 players today, with 13 players being left out.
Interestingly, the squad sees the return of striker Lebo Mothiba who recently returned from a long-term injury.
The squad do not include any player from Kaizer Chiefs and in-form Bongokuhle Hlongwane did not make the cut due to an injury.
THE PLAYERS WHO ARE LEFT OUT
The 13 players who are left out of Broos’ final squad are Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates], Thabiso Monyane [Orlando Pirates], Given Msimango [Kaizer Chiefs], Keegan Allan [Moroka Swallows].
Ime Okon [SuperSport United], Sfiso Hlanti [Kaizer Chiefs], Zuko Mdunyelwa [Chippa United], Sphephelo Sithole [Tondela], Mlungisi Mbanjana [TS Galaxy]. Khanyiso Mayo [Cape Town City], Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch], Pule Mmodi [Kaizer Chiefs], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota].
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are the most represented clubs.
BAFANA BAFANA FULL SQUAD LIST
GOALKEEPERS:
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United]
DEFENDERS:
Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Innocent Maela [Orlando Pirates]
MIDFIELDERS:
Luke Le Roux [FC Volendam], Njabulo Blom [Saint Louis], Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Grant Margeman [SuperSport United], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns]
FORWARDS:
Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Kobamelo Kodisang [Moreirense], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebo Mothiba [Strasbourg], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates].
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