Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his final squad for South Africa’s last two crucial group matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa is set to face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 10 October, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, 14 October.
The 23-man squad features eight changes from Broos’ selection for the September qualifiers. Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Ime Okon, Siyabonga Ngezana, Luke Le Roux, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Mduduzi Shabalala have all been replaced.
Malibongwe Khoza earns his first national team call-up after impressing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and establishing himself as a regular starter for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Joining him in the new squad are Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Morena, Tshepang Moremi, and Khuliso Mudau.
Unfortunately, South Africa was docked three points by FIFA, resulting in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March being overturned to a 3-0 loss due to the fielding of Teboho Mokoena, who was meant to be serving a suspension for yellow cards.
As it stands, Bafana Bafana currently sit second in Group C, tied with Benin on 14 points but trailing by a single goal on goal difference.
With only two qualifiers remaining in the group stage, South Africa must win both matches to improve their goal difference or hope that Benin stumbles and drops points to secure automatic qualification.
If Bafana Bafana fall short, they will aim to clinch one of the CAF’s allocated spots in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
South Africa will be looking to defeat Zimbabwe for the second time in these qualifiers and to overcome Rwanda after suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Wasps away from home in November 2023.
The South Africa Squad
Goalkeepers – Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns, Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates, Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC
Defenders – Malibongwe Khoza – Mamelodi Sundowns, Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns, Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns, Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy – Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates, Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City and Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK (Norway), Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates, Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)
Midfielders – Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns, Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns, Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates and Sphephelo Sithole
Strikers – Thapelo Morena – Mamelodi Sundowns, Sipho Mbule Orlando Pirates, Tshepang Moremi Orlando Pirates, Oswin Appolis – Orlando Pirates, Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq FC (Saudi Arabia), Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates, Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns, Lyle Foster – Burnley FC (England)