Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his preliminary squad for the national team’s final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.
South Africa will face its neighbours, Zimbabwe, in a penultimate qualifier match in Group C on Friday, 10 October, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
They will then travel to the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga to face Rwanda in their last qualifier on Monday, 13 October 2025. The clash in Durban is a home fixture for the Warriors.
Both the Zimbabwean Football Association [ZIFA] and the South African Football Association [SAFA] have confirmed the venues for the fixtures.
With no stadium that meets FIFA requirements, Zimbabwe has been forced to host its home match in Durban, which is a major advantage for Bafana Bafana.
Sitting atop Group C with 17 points, Bafana Bafana is within touching distance of securing a spot at the global showpiece in North America.
BAFANA BAFANA PRELIMINARY SQUAD FOR THE FINAL 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
The squad sees the return of Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau into the team. Mudau missed the two qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho due to a lack of match fitness following issues with his club.
Polokwane City FC defender Thabang Matuludi is also on the list after returning from a long injury layoff.
SQUAD LIST:
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].
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