South Africa coach Hugo Broos has announced his Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, both of which will be staged at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The first fixture will see South Africa face neighbours Lesotho on Friday, 5 September 2025, before returning to the same venue four days later to take on Nigeria in what promises to be a defining contest in the qualification campaign.
Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, underlined the significance of these matches, stressing that the players are fully aware of what is at stake.
You know, when you can go to the World Cup, is there a better motivation? Maybe if we go, it will be the first, and maybe the last, for all these players.
Qualifying for the World Cup is extremely difficult, especially here in Africa, the Belgian coach said.
The 23-man squad reflects a balance of established internationals and emerging talents, with several players who impressed in recent outings retaining their places.
Captain and first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams leads the group of three shot-stoppers, joined by Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine.
In defence, Broos has selected Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon and Samukelo Kabini, offering him a mix of experience and youth across the back line.
The midfield will be anchored by Teboho Mokoena, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most consistent performers in recent years.
He is joined by Luke le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas and Thalente Mbatha, giving Broos options both in ball retention and defensive solidity.
Up front, the coach has opted for a varied attacking unit that includes Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Mswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng. Foster, who plies his trade in Europe, will be expected to shoulder much of the goalscoring responsibility, while youngsters such as Shabalala and Mofokeng bring creativity and pace.
With South Africa aiming to secure a place at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, these two fixtures could prove decisive.
The clash with Lesotho offers an opportunity to build momentum, but it is the showdown against Nigeria that will test the team’s credentials against one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
For Broos and his players, the mission is clear: deliver performances that bring South Africa a step closer to the world stage.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces the squad to face Lesotho and Nigeria in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.@SABC_Sport #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/gwTiEiZ8FR
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 28, 2025
