The Bafana Bafana squad for the next set of international matches has been confirmed by head coach Hugo Broos.
Final Bafana Bafana squad revealed
The team will play two important games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers — first against Lesotho on Friday, 5 September 2025, and then against Nigeria on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
Both matches will be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Although Lesotho is the home team for the first match, they chose to use the Free State Stadium in South Africa instead of playing in Lesotho.
South Africa currently sits at the top of Group C with 13 points from six games. This means they are in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rwanda and Benin are behind with fewer points, while Nigeria, usually seen as one of Africa’s strongest football teams, are in fourth place with just seven points.
If Bafana Bafana wins these games, they could confirm their place in the World Cup. In simple terms, this means the team will no longer need to depend on other results — they will secure qualification by themselves.
Broos had to cut his list of players down to the final squad before the announcement on Thursday. The coach said his selection is based on form, fitness, and experience.
“We need players who are ready to compete at the highest level. These matches are not just about skill, but also about mental strength,” he explained.
The Bafana Bafana squad list
The final Bafana Bafana squad includes both local and international players:
- 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
Some players are based overseas, such as Luke Le Roux (Molde FK in Norway), Ime Okon (Hannover 96 in Germany), and Lyle Foster (Burnley FC in England).
Others play for local clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs.
Where and when to watch
- South Africa vs Lesotho: Thursday, 5 September at 18:00 local time (18:00 SAST).
- South Africa vs Nigeria: Monday, 9 September at 18:00 local time (18:00 SAST).
Both matches are expected to draw large crowds, especially the clash against Nigeria, a long-standing rival of South Africa in African football.
