Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has announced the final 23-man squad for South Africa’s remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
The team will face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, October 10, before traveling to Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela to take on Rwanda on Tuesday, October 14.
Eight players from the squad that featured in September’s qualifiers have retained their places: Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Ime Okon, Siyabonga Ngezana, Luke Le Roux, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Mduduzi Shabalala.
A standout inclusion is Malibongwe Khoza, who earns his first call-up to the senior national team following an impressive performance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and consistent displays for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Other fresh faces in Broos’ squad include Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Tshepang Moremi, Sphephelo Sithole, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Thabang Matuludi.
South Africa’s qualification campaign has faced setbacks. FIFA deducted three points after the team fielded Teboho Mokoena while he was supposed to serve a one-match suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
The original 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 2 was overturned to a 3-0 loss.
Currently, Bafana Bafana sit second in Group C with 14 points, tied with Benin but trailing on goal difference.
Broos highlighted the challenges of their recent trip to Nigeria, where they secured a point against the Super Eagles despite arriving at 2 a.m.
With just two group matches left, South Africa must win both games to overtake Benin on goal difference, or hope the Cheetahs slip up to secure automatic qualification.
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), 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), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appolis (Orlando Pirates)
Forwards: Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq FC, Saudi Arabia), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC, England)
Bafana Bafana now look to close out their qualifiers on a high note as they chase a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
