Bafana Bafana's prelim squad packs a punch with several new faces

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled a dynamic 48-man preliminary squad, showcasing a blend of experienced stalwarts and promising newcomers ahead of two critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Set to take place at the Free State Stadium this September, these matches represent crucial steps in South Africa's pursuit of World Cup glory.

The squad packs a punch with several exciting new faces making the cut. Among them are young talents like Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabo Maloisane from Stellenbosch FC, and Sipho Mbule, also of Pirates. Additionally, midfielder Ime Okon, who currently plays for German club Hannover 96, joins the fray alongside Puso Dithejane from TS Galaxy and the exciting Pirates player Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane remains a pivotal figure in the squad despite suffering an injury during the MTN8 semi-final first leg last week. However, his coach, Miguel Cardoso, has hinted at a serious two-month recovery for the playmaker.

Another inclusion raising eyebrows is defender Khuliso Mudau, who hasn't played this season due to a contract dispute but is still counted on to bolster the defence.

Interestingly, there was no place for in-form Kaizer Chiefs right-back Thabiso Monyane. Broos maintains confidence in established selections like Nyiko Mobbie and the Sundowns duo Mudau and Thapelo Morena, despite their current lack of game time this season. The decision reflects Broos's focus on maintaining team cohesion while nurturing emerging talents.

Among the newcomers, Ime Okon stands out. The Nigerian-born player, raised in South Africa, is viewed by Broos as a key player in the future. His impressive performances have marked him as one of the rising stars in the national setup, promising to inject a fresh flair into the squad as it eyes World Cup qualification.

As Bafana Bafana currently lead Group C with 13 points, they find themselves in a strong position, five points ahead of Rwanda and Benin and six points ahead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The team's next two fixtures are critical, starting with an away match against Lesotho on Friday, 5 September 2025, followed by a home clash against Nigeria on Tuesday, 9 September.

Broos will trim his impressive longlist to a final squad of 23, a challenging task given the quality and potential displayed in this preliminary roster.

As the countdown to the qualifiers intensifies, excitement grows among South African football fans, eager to see if Bafana Bafana can boost its World Cup claims and secure a place on the global stage for the first time since 2010.

Preliminary Bafana Bafana squad, goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Renaldo Leaner, Sipho Chaine, Darren Johnson

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndame, Thabo Maloi, Thapelo Morena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Keegan Allan, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Bradley Cross, Siyabonga Ngezana

Midfielders: Sipho Mbule, Themba Zwane, Samukelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Mihlali Mayambela, Ime Okon, Malibongwe Khoza, Vuyo Letlapa, Luke le Roux, Gape Moralo, Siphesihle Mkhize, Devin Titus, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, Teboho Mokoena, Mduduzi Shabalala

Forwards: Thalente Mbatha, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshepang Moremi, Iqraam Rayners, Puso Dithejane, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ashley Cupido, Deano Van Rooyen, Lyle Foster, Aubrey Modiba, Bongokuhle Hlongwane