Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his 23-man squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
The call-ups come as South Africa looks to recover after FIFA docked points over the Teboho Mokoena issue, dropping Bafana to second in the group behind Benin on goal difference. Both sides are on 14 points, but Benin lead by a single goal.
The rest of the group sees Nigeria and Rwanda on 11 points each, Lesotho on six, and Zimbabwe trailing on four. Every match now carries extra weight as Bafana push to secure qualification.
BAFANA BAFANA FACE ZIMBABWE AND RWANDA
Bafana will kick off with Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 10 October 2025 at 17:30, before closing the double-header against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 18:00.
Looking back, South Africa beat Zimbabwe 3-1 in June at the Free State Stadium, cruising past a shock opener from Tawanda Chirewa thanks to a Thapelo Morena brace and an Iqraam Rayners goal.
Rwanda, however, handed Bafana one of their toughest lessons in November 2023, winning 2-0 in Butare with goals from Innocent Nshuti and Gilbert Mugisha. That defeat still lingers, making the Mbombela clash about revenge as much as qualification.
23-MAN BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
- Ronwen Williams
- Ricardo Goss
- Sipho Chaine
Defenders:
- Malibongwe Khoza
- Khuliso Mudau
- Aubrey Modiba
- Khulumani Ndamane
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Thabang Matuludi
- Samukelo Kabini
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
Midfielders:
- Teboho Mokoena
- Sphephelo Sithole
- Bathusi Aubaas
- Thalente Mbatha
Forwards:
- Thapelo Morena
- Oswin Appollis
- Sipho Mbule
- Iqraam Rayners
- Lyle Foster
- Tshephang Moremi
- Mohau Nkota
- Relebohile Mofokeng.
