South Africa’s 2026 Fifa World Cup dream inches closer — and Hugo Broos has revealed the 23 warriors he’s backing to take Bafana Bafana over the line. Catch all the action live on SuperSport.
With two crucial Fifa World Cup Qualifiers on the horizon, Broos has trimmed his initial 48-man list down to a focused, form-driven squad.
Bafana face Lesotho on 5 September and continental giants Nigeria on 9 September, both at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with kick-off at 6pm and live coverage on SuperSport.
“You know when you can go to the World Cup, is there a better motivation than that? Maybe if we go to the World Cup it will be the first and maybe the last time for all those players. Qualifying for the World Cup is extremely, extremely difficult, certainly here in Africa,” said Broos.
KEY INCLUSIONS & TALKING POINTS
- Kamogelo Sebelebele: The Orlando Pirates winger is the man of the moment, earning his call-up after a string of match-winning performances.
- Mduduzi Shabalala & Relebohile Mofokeng: Injecting youthful flair into the attack, these rising stars bring pace, unpredictability, and hunger.
Hugo Broos has named his 23-man squad for Bafana Bafana's upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 28, 2025
📆 5 September: vs Lesotho
📆 9 September: vs Nigeria
📺 LIVE on SuperSport #SSFootball pic.twitter.com/iZ2YEAcZdY
- Lyle Foster Returns: The Burnley striker is back to lead the line, offering Premier League pedigree and physical presence.
- European Backbone: Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), and Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK) add international experience.
- Notable Absences: Themba Zwane misses out due to injury, while Khuliso Mudau and Percy Tau are also sidelined — a shift that opens doors for fresh faces.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Bafana Bafana currently sit top of Group C with 13 points from six matches. Two wins in September could all but seal qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada — a feat South Africa hasn’t achieved since 2002.
Broos knows the pressure is mounting, but he’s backing his blend of experience and youth to deliver.
“You have to fight for every game and what I said don’t think that we maybe because we won also 5-0 against Congo (last year) and nobody thought that it would be such a result, but don’t think that it will be an easy game next Friday against Lesotho,” he said.
SQUAD BREAKDOWN
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini, Siyabonga Ngezana
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Luke Le Roux
Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster
