WCQ: Two Chiefs Stars In As Broos Unveils Initial Bafana Squad for Lesotho & Nigeria

• Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his preliminary squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria next month
• The Belgian gaffer decided add two Kaizer Chiefs players to his team but decided to leave out a former Premier League star
• Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players dominated the South African preliminary squad

Hugo Broos has announced his Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for South Africa's upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in September.

Bafana Bafana are currently top of Group C with 13 points, five ahead of Rwanda, who occupy second place. They are in pole position to secure the qualification ticket for the prestigious football tournament in the United States next year.

Broos has been criticised recently for not including Kaizer Chiefs players in the Bafana Bafana squad since Rushwin Dortley got injured. However, like last time, the Belgian coach has included two Kaizer Chiefs players in his preliminary squad.

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Broos named prelim Bafana squad for Lesotho & Nigeria ties

Broos will lead Bafana Bafana against Lesotho on Monday, September 1, 2025, with Likuena playing the fixture on South African soil at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Lesotho doesn't have any stadium that meets CAF's standards, which is why they will play the fixture in South Africa.

The match against Nigeria's Super Eagles will take place at the same venue a week later. It is the most anticipated match due to the rivalry between the two countries.

A 48-man squad was released by the former Club Brugge coach with as ex-Brighton star, Percy Tau, failing to make the list after recently joining a new club.

Here is the Bafana preliminary squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu FC).

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Siwelele FC), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy FC), Thabo Maloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Zuko Mdunyelwa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Puso Taelo Dithejane (TS Galaxy FC), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB FC), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates).

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Midfielder: Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol FC), Keegan Allan (AmaZulu FC), Thalente Mbatha (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Luke Roux (Portsmouth), Gape Moralo (Siwelele FC), Sipesihle Mkhize (Sekhukhune United), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Buthasi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs).

Forwards: Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates, Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Ashley Cupido (Stellenbosch FC), Bongokhulhe Hlongwane (Minnnesota SC).

More to follow...

Source: Briefly News