Broos forced to make changes to Bafana squad ahead of qualifiers

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has confirmed that Sipho Mbule and Thabo Moloisane have been called up to replace injured duo Patrick Maswanganyi and Ime Okon ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Broos announced his final 23-man squad last Thursday, for the upcoming qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria last week Thursday.

Mbule and Moloisane were initially cut from the preliminary squad but have now been recalled following injuries in the camp.

Mbule steps in for his Orlando Pirates teammate Maswangayi, who picked up an injury in the Buccaneers’ 3-0 win over Chippa United. Meanwhile, Moloisane replaces Ime Okon, who has also been ruled out due to injury.

Bafana take on Lesotho on Friday, 4 September, before hosting Nigeria on 9 September. Both games are scheduled to be played in Bloemfontein.

And just like that, we are back at work!!! We are in camp and preparing for our first training session this afternoon.#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/EjWxUcIqdp

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 1, 2025

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari