Stellenbosch defender earns late Bafana call-up | OneFootball

Stellenbosch defender makes Bafana squad at the eleventh hour

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/ Gallo Images

Stellenbosch FC have confirmed that defender Thabo Moloisane has earned a late call-up to the South African national team ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The 26-year-old stalwart was initially included in the preliminary squad announced by coach Hugo Broos few weeks ago but didn’t make the cut in the final 23-man team.

Broos had opted for Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini and Siyabonga Ngezana in defense.

Now, Moloisane, who was part of the previous Bafana Bafana camps, has been called upon in the eleventh hour. It remains unclear who the right-back replaced in the squad at this stage.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi was stretched off in the Buccaneers’ commanding 3-0 win against Chippa United in a Betway Premiership clash on Sunday.

Bafana will play Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on 05 September as the Southern African nation has no CAF approved venue to host international matches.

The 72-year-old mentor will then prepare his charges for a blockbuster clash against fierce rivals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the same venue four days later.

South Africa are in pole position to book their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

Bafana are at the summit of group C, with 13 points accumulated after six matches played. Rwanda, who are in second place, are level on eight points with third-placed Benin, while Nigeria are in fourth with seven points.