Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has unveiled a reshaped 23-man squad for South Africa’s make-or-break final fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa will first lock horns with Zimbabwe on October 10 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium before hosting Rwanda on October 14 at Mbombela Stadium. With Group C delicately poised, both matches are must-win encounters.
Broos has rung the changes, making eight alterations to the squad that featured in September. Out go Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Ime Okon, Siyabonga Ngezana, Luke Le Roux, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi and Mduduzi Shabalala.
In come Malibongwe Khoza, earning his maiden senior call-up after standout displays with Mamelodi Sundowns, along with Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Morena, Tshepang Moremi and Khuliso Mudau.
The shake-up comes at a crucial time for Bafana, who were docked three points by FIFA for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March. That sanction turned a 2-0 win into a 3-0 loss, leaving South Africa second in Group C on 14 points — level with leaders Benin but trailing on goal difference.
With just two games remaining, Broos’ side must not only win both but also hope Benin stumble, or else settle for a playoff route to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
South Africa will look to complete a double over Zimbabwe, while also seeking redemption against Rwanda, who shocked them with a 2-0 win in Kigali last year.
South Africa will look to overcome Zimbabwe for the second time in the qualifiers and beat Rwanda for the first time this campaign after falling to the Wasps 2-0 away from home in November 2023.
Squad:
Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC
Malibongwe Khoza – Mamelodi Sundowns
Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns
Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns
Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy
Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates
Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City
Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK (Norway)
Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates
Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)
Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns
Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns
Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates
Thapelo Morena – Mamelodi Sundowns
Sipho Mbule – Orlando Pirates
Tshepang Moremi – Orlando Pirates
Oswin Appolis – Orlando Pirates
Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq FC (Saudi Arabia)
Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates
Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns
Lyle Foster – Burnley FC (England)