Hugo Broos names Bafana Pre-lim squad for World Cup qualifiers

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named a 37-man preliminary squad for this months FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin. The Belgian mentor is set to trim his squad down in the coming weeks ahead of their opening fixtures of 2025. The squad features a large contingent of players who were part of the AFCON bronze medal winning squad of 2024, and some new faces. TS Galaxy duo of Samkelo Kabini and Khulumani Ndamane have received their maiden call ups in the national team alongside Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen and Sekhukhune United’s Siphesihle Mkhize. 

South Africa will face neighbours Lesotho on Monday 17 March at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, and then fly to Benin to face the Cheetahs on Monday 24 March 2024. Hugo Broos’ men are in second position in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with seven points after four matches, level with log leaders Rwanda and third-placed Benin. 

Goalkeepers:

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Supersport United), Sage Stephens (Stellenbosch FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders:

Sydney Mobbie (Supersport United) Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Rushwin Dortley (Kaizer Chiefs), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Deano Van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB FC), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samkelo Kabini (TS Galaxy), Farwaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Midfielders:

Tebogo Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City FC), Luke Le Roux (Varnamo), Siphesihle Mkhize (Sekhukhune United) Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), 

Attackers:

Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC), Oswin Appolis (Polokwane City), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Ashley Cupido (Stellenbosch FC), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Elias Mokwana (Esperance de Tunis FC), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Percy Tau (Qatar SC), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol)