Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his final 23-member squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda this month.
Broos had initially announced 44 players in his provisional squad last week Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
Bafana will face Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on the weekend of 17-19 November.
Broos’ charges will then jet off to Huye to take on Rwanda on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.
The squad is expected to assemble for camp on Monday, 13 November in Pretoria and travel to Durban on 16 October.
THE 21 PLAYERS LEFT OUT
There are 21 players who are not in Broos’ final squad from the initial 44 preliminary squad. The players are Melusi Buthelezi [Orlando Pirates], Thabiso Monyane [Orlando Pirates], Given Msimango [Kaizer Chiefs], Thapelo Maseko [Mamelodi Sundowns], Taariq Fielies [AmaZulu FC], Thapelo Xoki [Orlando Pirates], Themba Mantshiyane [Golden Arrows], Ime Okon [SuperSport United], Thapelo Morena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sfiso Hlanti [Kaizer Chiefs], Grant Margeman [SuperSport United], Njablu Blom [St. Louis City SC], Miguel Timm [Orlando Pirates], Thabang Monare [Orlando Pirates], Ethan Brooks [AmaZulu], Mlungisi Mbunjana [TS Galaxy], Evidence Makgopa [Orlando Pirates], Khanyiso Mayo [Cape Town City], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Tshepang Moremi [AmaZulu] and Elias Mokwana [Sekhukhune United].
South Africa goes into these two matches highly motivated as they are unbeaten. Bafana haven’t tasted a defeat in their last 11 games under the tutelage of the Belgian mentor.
The last time Broos’ troops succumbed to a defeat was against Morocco in Rabat in June 2022 [15 months ago].
BAFANA BAFANA FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu FC], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United]
DEFENDERS
Sydney Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Bradley Cross [Golden Arrows], Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
MIDFIELDERS
Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Jayden Adams [Stellenbosch], Sibongiseni Mthethwa [Kaizer Chiefs], Sphephelo Sithole [Tondela]
FORWARDS
Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lebo Mothiba [ RC Strasbourg], Bongokhule Hlongwane [Minnesota United], Oswin Appollis [Polokwane City].
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