South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, has officially named its final 23-man squad ahead of two critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho next month. Coach Hugo Broos has trimmed down his initial provisional list, making key selections — and omissions — as South Africa looks to cement its position at the top of Group C.
Broos Names Strong Line-Up for Pivotal Fixtures
The finalized squad includes a blend of local stars and overseas-based talent, with team captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams leading the charge. Germany-based midfielder Ime Okon also makes the cut, as Broos leans on a mix of experience and youth to secure vital points in the qualifiers.
South Africa currently tops Group C with 13 points after six matches and will need to maintain their momentum to stay ahead of rivals Rwanda, Benin, and Nigeria, who are still in strong contention.
Khuliso Mudau Left Out Amid Ongoing Club Dispute
One notable absence from the squad is right-back Khuliso Mudau, who has been sidelined due to a prolonged dispute with Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite being one of the country’s top defenders, Mudau’s non-participation in training sessions drew criticism from Broos, who explained his decision in detail.
“I met with Khuliso and acknowledged that while he had valid concerns, missing training is never the answer,” Broos said during a press briefing. “You still have a duty as a player to train, even if you choose not to play. That said, I hope his situation is resolved soon — he’s the best right-back in South Africa and one of the best in Africa.”
Match Schedule: Home Ground Advantage in Bloemfontein
Both fixtures will be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. South Africa will first travel to face Lesotho on Friday, September 5th, before hosting Nigeria in a blockbuster clash on Tuesday, September 9th.
The Super Eagles, currently fourth in the group with seven points, are under pressure to revive their campaign, making the encounter against South Africa even more significant.
South Africa’s Final Squad for September Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
- Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders:
- Sydney Mobbie (Siwelele FC)
- Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba (both Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Mbikezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)
- Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
- Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany)
- Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway)
- Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania)
Midfielders:
- Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Sundowns)
- Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth FC, England)
- Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Forwards:
- Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates)
- Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley FC, England)
- Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq FC, Saudi Arabia)
Group C Standings Heading Into September
- 1st: South Africa – 13 pts
- 2nd: Rwanda – 8 pts
- 3rd: Benin – 8 pts
- 4th: Nigeria – 7 pts
- 5th: Lesotho – 6 pts
- 6th: Zimbabwe – 4 pts
With just a few matches remaining, every point is crucial. South Africa will be aiming to take maximum points from these two fixtures and move one step closer to securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
