Broos Unveils 48-Man Preliminary Bafana Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced a 48-man preliminary squad for South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, with a mix of established stars, returning figures, and several new faces.

The squad, unveiled by the South African Football Association on Thursday, is headlined by captain Ronwen Williams, midfield general Teboho Mokoena, striker Evidence Makgopa, and forward Mihlali Mayambela. South Africa will host Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on September 5, before taking on Nigeria at the same venue four days later.

Pirates and Sundowns Dominate the Call-Up

Unsurprisingly, the preliminary list is dominated by domestic heavyweights Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers contribute 13 players, including Sipho Mbule – whose resurgence has been rewarded – alongside Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Sundowns account for 10 inclusions, among them Williams, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, and striker Iqraam Rayners. However, concerns remain over key players Khuliso Mudau and Themba Zwane – Mudau has yet to feature this season, while Zwane faces up to two months on the sidelines with injury.

New Blood and Notable Returns

The squad also features several new additions and recalls. Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane makes a return after over a year’s absence, while 26-year-old goalkeeper Darren Johnson earns his first call-up following strong performances for AmaZulu. Johnson, notably, is the son of former Bafana goalkeeper Grant Johnson, now serving as the team’s goalkeeper coach.

Rising talents such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Oswin Appollis, and Devin Titus have been included, along with Nigerian-born defender Ime Okon, currently plying his trade with Hannover in Germany. Okon, who has South African nationality, is regarded by Broos as a potential cornerstone of Bafana’s future defence.

Strategic Importance of the Fixtures

South Africa enter the September fixtures top of Group C with 13 points from six games, holding a five-point cushion over Rwanda and Benin (eight points each). Nigeria, in contrast, sit in fourth on seven points and are under pressure to revive their qualification hopes.

With Lesotho unable to host international fixtures due to stadium compliance issues, both matches will be staged in Bloemfontein, handing South Africa a rare double-header home advantage.

The Road Ahead

Broos, who guided Bafana to a bronze medal at AFCON 2023, will trim the preliminary squad to 23 players before camp opens next week. The Belgian mentor has emphasized the importance of balance – blending youth and experience – as South Africa push to secure qualification for their first World Cup since 2010.

“These are crucial games for us,” Broos said. “We have built good momentum, but we must stay focused. Every point counts, and with strong competition in the group, we cannot afford any slip-ups.”