Hugo Broos names preliminary Bafana squad for World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Broos announces latest prelim squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Photo: Alche Greeff/ BackPagePix

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced the preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

South Africa will square off against their neighbors at the renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 10 October.

Broos’ men will then host Amavubi at the Mbombela Stadium three days later in their penultimate qualifying match for the global showpiece in America next year.

The 2023 AFCON bronze medalists are in pole position heading into the matches as they top group C with 17 points collected from eight matches.

On the squad, the 73-year-old Belgian mentor added several returnees on the latest team ahead of the crucial encounters.

Thabang Matuludi has been reinstated in the prelim squad in defense, while Bradley Cross, Sydney Mobbie, Siyabonga Ngezana and Fawaaz Basadien have been left out.

In midfield, Sphephelo Sithole has been recalled after a long-term injury as Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate Mduduzi Shabalala retained his place.

Evidence Makgopa is a notable returnee in attack, coming in place of Stellenbosch striker Ashley Cupido as Keletso Makgalwa deservedly earns his spot as well.