Hugo Broos, the head coach of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, has announced his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria’s Super Eagles on September 9.
The Bafana Bafana are set to face Lesotho on 5 September, followed by a highly anticipated match against the Super Eagles on 9 September. This campaign marks South Africa’s quest to secure their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Among the familiar faces included in the preliminary squad are Sipho Mbule and Mohau Nkota, who has recently made a move to Saudi Arabia. Notably, Orlando Pirates’ promising youngsters, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng, have also earned their places in the squad. Kaizer Chiefs players Bradley Cross and Mduduzi Shabalala will be representing their club as well.
As expected, Mamelodi Sundowns has a significant presence, contributing a number of top stars to the squad. However, there are concerns regarding two Sundowns players: Khuliso Mudau and Themba Zwane. Mudau has yet to make an appearance for Sundowns this season, while Zwane is sidelined due to an injury sustained in a recent match against Orlando Pirates. According to Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, Zwane is anticipated to be out for at least two months.
In the lead-up to these crucial fixtures, Coach Broos is expected to finalise and trim the squad down to 23 players. Currently, Bafana Bafana are at the top of the Group C standings with 13 points from six matches, followed by Rwanda, who sit at eight points. The Super Eagles are positioned fourth in the group, having accrued seven points from their six outings.
In their previous encounter, which took place in Uyo, a second-half goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru allowed Nigeria to secure a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana.
As the kick-off approaches, anticipation builds for these pivotal matches that could shape South Africa’s World Cup aspirations.
