Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has officially announced his final squad of 23 players for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, where they will face Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein in early September.
This selection comes at a critical juncture, as Broos emphasizes that securing victories is non-negotiable; he is committed to guiding the team towards qualification for the World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The 72-year-old Belgian coach, Hugo Broos, who successfully led Bafana Bafana to a commendable third-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has opted to maintain a strong core of his squad while integrating fresh talent.
Among the new players joining the team are promising prospects such as Mduduzi Shabalala, known for his creative midfield play, Kamogelo Sebelebele, a dynamic forward, and Ime Okon, a defender with notable potential.
However, the squad misses some well-known figures, including Mamelodi Sundowns’ experienced midfielder Themba Zwane and solid defender Grant Kekana, both sidelined due to injuries that will keep them from participating in upcoming matches.
Additionally, right-back Khuliso Mudau, who recently returned to training with Sundowns after attempting to negotiate a transfer from the club, was also left out of the selection. Broos explained that Mudau’s limited game time during this period was a decisive factor in his absence from the squad, emphasizing the importance of match fitness and cohesion.
The coach is also aware of the potential sanctions from FIFA following Nigeria’s complaint regarding the selection of the ineligible Teboho Mokoena, who was part of Bafana’s victorious lineup against Lesotho in their previous encounter in March.
Mokoena received a booking during Bafana’s 2-1 victory over Benin in Durban on November 18, 2023, and another in their 3-1 win against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on June 11, 2024.
According to FIFA’s rules, this meant Mokoena should have been suspended for Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane—a match that saw South Africa rise to the top of Group C.
This issue adds extra urgency to their campaign, requiring the team to not only focus on winning but also to build a solid points cushion.
Despite the recent controversy, Broos remains resolute. “When rules are followed, there should be no complaints,” he stated firmly. “My full attention is on the upcoming match against Lesotho. We are currently in a good position in the qualifiers, and it’s crucial that we maintain that momentum.”
The stakes are high, and the team’s determination is palpable as they aim to enhance their standing in the qualification process with strong performances in the upcoming matches.