Head coach Hugo Broos has announced the Bafana Bafana fixtures for September 2025 as South Africa prepares to take on Lesotho and Nigeria in crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Final Bafana Bafana fixtures confirmed
The national team will first face Lesotho on Friday, 5 September 2025, at 18:00 SAST, followed by a home clash against Nigeria on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, also at 18:00 SAST.
Both matches will be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Although Lesotho is officially the home team for the first game, they chose to play in South Africa instead of their own country.
South Africa is currently top of Group C with 13 points after six matches. This means they are leading their qualification group. Nigeria, usually one of Africa’s strongest teams, is only in fourth place with seven points.
If Bafana Bafana wins both of these fixtures, the team will secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without needing to rely on other teams’ results. In simple terms, victory in these two games could guarantee qualification.
Coach Broos reminded his players that the challenge will be tough:
“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.”
The final Bafana Bafana squad
Broos trimmed his initial selection down to a final squad of 23 players.
His list includes both locally based players and those playing for clubs overseas.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini, Siyabonga Ngezana
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Luke Le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng
Broos explained that his decisions were based on form, fitness, and mental toughness:
“We need players who are ready to compete at the highest level. These matches are not just about skill, but also about mental strength.”
Where and when to watch the matches
Fans can watch the matches live in South Africa:
- Lesotho vs Bafana Bafana – Friday, 5 September 2025 at 18:00 (SAST), Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
- Bafana Bafana vs Nigeria – Tuesday, 9 September 2025 at 18:00 (SAST), Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Tickets are available from Ticketpro and selected outlets.
Both games are expected to attract large crowds, especially the match against Nigeria, which has historically been one of South Africa’s biggest rivalries in African football.
