By Mark Ogagan
South Africa’s senior men’s national team head coach, Hugo Broos has unveiled his 23-man squad to prosecute the decisive African Group C World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda later this month.
The Bafana Bafana begin with an ‘away’ clash against neighbours Zimbabwe on Friday 10 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (18:00 kick-off), and four days later, host Rwanda in their final Group C encounter at Mbombela Stadium, Mpumalanga (same kick off time).
Broos trimmed down his preliminary 45-man squad by opting for consistency with a core of familiar faces to see out the qualifiers.
The goalkeeping trio remains unchanged, while in defence, midfield and attack, the Belgian made only minor adjustments, largely retaining the squad from last month’s qualifiers. Thabang Matuludi of Polokwane City, who made his debut in the Cosafa Cup squad, earns his first call-up under Broos.
Sphephelo Sithole returns after recovering from a serious tibia and fibula injury sustained over a year ago while on Bafana duty. Sipho Mbule, who was first included in last month’s squad following Patrick Maswanganyi’s injury, retains his place, while in-form forward Tshepang Moremi also earned a recall, giving Broos additional attacking options as he prepares his team for the crucial fixtures ahead.
Only the group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 11 July next year.
However, there’s hope for teams that finish second in their respective groups. The four best runners-up from the African qualifiers will be drawn into a play-off, with the winners progressing to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Elsewhere in Group C, Benin face away trips to Nigeria and Rwanda, while Nigeria travel to take on Lesotho.
Rwanda, who famously beat Bafana Bafana in 2024, make the trip to South Africa for their final qualifier, setting up an interesting finish to the group stage.
The Bafana Bafana squad
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