The Bafana Bafana squad has received a late infusion of talent from Stellenbosch FC, with both striker Ashley Cupido and defender Thabo Moloisane receiving call-ups ahead of South Africa’s make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
Cupido Returns as Injury Cover
Striker Ashley Cupido was brought into the squad as an injury replacement, offering coach Hugo Broos an extra attacking option for the crucial match.
Read: Broos Rallies Bafana Bafana Ahead of FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Cupido’s History: The 24-year-old forward is a familiar face in the national team setup, having already earned six senior international caps.
He was part of the squad that competed in the 2024 COSAFA Cup and last featured for Bafana Bafana in June 2025, where he scored his maiden international goal in a 2-0 friendly win over Mozambique.
The Goal Threat: His recall signals a belief in his scoring ability, which could be vital as South Africa faces a must-win situation.
Moloisane Fills Defensive Void
The call-up for defender Thabo Moloisane was made a day earlier, with the Stellenbosch centre-back coming in to replace the suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Moloisane’s Background: Since making his senior international debut in June 2024, Moloisane has earned five caps for Bafana Bafana. His inclusion adds necessary depth and experience to the defence, particularly after his strong showing in an earlier qualifier against Lesotho.
The Stakes: A Must-Win World Cup Qualifier
The arrival of the Stellenbosch duo comes at a tense moment for the national team. Bafana Bafana currently sit in second place in the Group C standings, and their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hinges on a single, vital fixture.
To secure automatic qualification, South Africa must:
Defeat Rwanda in their final group match.
Hope that table-toppers Benin drop points (either a draw or a loss) in their simultaneous fixture against Nigeria.
The high-stakes qualifier between South Africa and Rwanda is scheduled for later this evening, with a kick-off time of 18:00 at the Mbombela Stadium.