AFCON 2025
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his 23-man squad for next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
South Africa goes into the fixtures at the top of Group C with 13 points, holding a five-point lead over Rwanda and Benin, while Nigeria sits six points adrift in fourth.
With just four matches remaining, the double-header in Bloemfontein could prove decisive in securing qualification for a first World Cup appearance since 2010.
The squad sees the return of key figures such as captain Ronwen Williams, midfielder Teboho Mokoena and striker Lyle Foster, who form the core of Broos’s side.
There is also room for fresh faces, with Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and forward Kamogelo Sebelebele both earning their first senior call-ups.
Another notable inclusion is Ime Okon, who had previously been eligible to play for Nigeria but has now committed to South Africa.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (debut, Orlando Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Luke le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele (debut, Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng
Broos has kept faith with the spine of the team that has impressed throughout the qualifying campaign, while making adjustments in defence and attack to cover injuries and inject youthful energy.
The first fixture will see South Africa face Lesotho on Friday, 5 September, before hosting Nigeria four days later on Tuesday, 9 September.
Both matches will be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, which Lesotho has been using as its temporary home ground. The squad is expected to assemble in Johannesburg on 31 August before beginning final preparations in the Free State.
