Broos names final Bafana squad for World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has named his final squad for the Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, next month.

South Africa will face Lesotho on September 5 and then Nigeria four days later, with both matches set to take place at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Bafana currently sit top of Group C with 13 points from six matches, with a five-point cushion over second-placed Rwanda and Benin, both tied on eight points.

The squad features 4 new faces with Kamogela Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Zuko Mndunyelwa all earning maiden call-ups.

Broos did not include Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau, who only resumed training with his club this week.

He says winning is non-negotiable as he is determined to qualify for the World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

“Don’t underestimate Lesotho and we have to win the two games because if we do that, we will be in a better position. I have full confidence in the guys that I have selected, I know them well and I did not hesitate to select them,” said Broos.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces the squad to face Lesotho and Nigeria in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.@SABC_Sport #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/gwTiEiZ8FR

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 28, 2025

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine.

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini, Siyabonga Ngezana, Aubrey Modiba.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Luke le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha.

Forwards: Kamogela Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Mswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng.