Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed the final 23-member squad set to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. These matches are pivotal for South Africa as they aim to secure a spot in the World Cup.
The South African national team will first challenge Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Uyo on Friday, June 7, 2024. Following this, Bafana Bafana will return to host Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Travel Arrangements and Logistics
Broos expressed his satisfaction with the South African Football Association (SAFA) for chartering a flight for the team. This arrangement will allow Bafana Bafana to travel to Nigeria and return promptly, ensuring the players are well-rested. “Traveling by charter is crucial,” said Broos. He recalled a previous instance where commercial travel exhausted the players, impacting their performance against Ethiopia.
Historic Return to Bloemfontein
South Africa will be playing in Bloemfontein for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The last match in this city saw them defeating France 2-1. The Free State Stadium gates will open at 15:00, with tickets priced at R50.00 for adults and R20.00 for kids, scholars, and students. Tickets can be purchased at TicketPro outlets, Spar, SuperSpar, Putco, and Postnet.
Group C Standings and Prospects
Currently, South Africa is in second place in Group C with three points, trailing Rwanda, which has four points. Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe each have two points, while Benin has one. The top teams from the nine African groups will qualify for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Additionally, the four best runners-up will enter a playoff to compete in a six-team intercontinental tournament.
Bafana Bafana’s Previous Performances
South Africa began their campaign with a 2-1 victory against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, followed by a 2-0 loss to Rwanda. Nigeria’s slow start, with draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, has left the group wide open. Positive results in the upcoming matches could position South Africa advantageously. Broos views a draw in Nigeria and a home win against Zimbabwe as favorable outcomes.
Bafana Bafana Squad Announcement
Here is the final squad for South Africa:
Goalkeepers:
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
- Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu)
Defenders:
- Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United)
- Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
- Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania)
- Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders:
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC)
- Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards:
- Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
- Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
- Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC)
- Elias Mokwana (Sekhukhune United)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley, England)
- Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Bafana Bafana’s performance in these qualifiers will be crucial. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if they can secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.