South Africa rocked by injury blows ahead of crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda

South Africa’s hopes of sealing a spot at next year’s World Cup have taken a knock after two key players were ruled out of their decisive qualifying fixtures.

Head coach Hugo Broos confirmed that his Bafana Bafana side will be without Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners ahead of their matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

The team is targeting back-to-back victories in their final qualifiers to keep their World Cup dream alive, but injuries have forced late changes to Broos’ squad.

Mofokeng, one of Orlando Pirates’ standout performers this season, picked up an injury during his club’s clash with Siwelele over the weekend and has been replaced by Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala.

“First of all, some news about the selection. We had to replace Rele Mofokeng because of the injury he got on Saturday and replaced him with [Mduduzi] Shabalala,” Broos told reporters.

The Belgian coach also confirmed that Burnley forward Lyle Foster and midfielder Thabo Sithole are expected to join camp late after club duties.

However, on Tuesday, another setback emerged as striker Iqraam Rayners withdrew from the team, prompting a call-up for Evidence Makgopa.

Makgopa, who has been in and out of the national setup since 2023, will view this as a crucial opportunity to reestablish himself in Broos’ plans.

“Ngwana Sesi,” as he is affectionately known, is expected to feature from the bench against Zimbabwe on Friday.

With mounting fitness concerns, Broos may be forced into further adjustments before kickoff.

The upcoming clash in Harare is shaping up to be a fierce contest, with both teams desperate for maximum points to strengthen their qualification hopes.