Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his final 23-man team that will partake in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in September.
Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The first clash will be against Lesotho on Friday, 5 September, with kick-off set for 18:00. The second match will see Bafana hosting Nigeria on Tuesday, 9 September, kicking off at the same time as the Lesotho Match.
South Africa is on top of Group C with 13 points, having won four, played one draw and suffered one defeat in their opening six matches. Lesotho is placed fifth with six points, while the Super Eagles are sitting fourth after collecting seven points.
Broos’ men will aim to extend their three-match winning run. They are currently enjoying a good run of form and have netted seven goals and only conceded one in their last three qualifier games.
With regular left-centre back Rushwin Dortley still nursing an injury, Pirates’ vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi will continue to fill in that position.
The 19-year-old has been continuing with his brilliance since being integrated into the senior team of his club. He made his national team debut against Mozambique in a friendly match on 10 June.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala made the final cut after impressing during the Cosafa tournament. Other new faces include Kamogelo Sebelebele, Zuko Mdunyelwa, and Ime Okon.
