Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has named his final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with a few notable changes and a mix of familiar faces. One of the standout inclusions is Qatar-based forward Percy Tau, who makes his return to the squad after a period of absence. Tau’s inclusion brings a significant boost to the attack as the national team prepares for crucial fixtures.
New Faces and Familiar Faces
While the squad maintains a sense of stability, with most players returning from the AFCON qualifying matches in November, there is room for fresh talent. Stellenbosch FC defender, Thabo Moloisane, receives his first call-up under Broos, following a solid performance in the COSAFA Cup last year. Moloisane could be a key figure in the upcoming qualifiers.
Another notable returnee is midfielder Jayden Adams, who had a fallout with Broos last year after failing to report to camp. Adams, now at Mamelodi Sundowns, has made amends and earned his place back in the squad.
The Return of Percy Tau
Tau’s return is undoubtedly one of the biggest talking points. The forward, who currently plays for Qatar SC, has been absent from recent squads but is now back to provide experience and flair up front. Alongside Tau, Burnley FC’s Lyle Foster also makes a return to the fold, with Mihlali Mayambela and Evidence Makgopa being omitted from the final squad.
Bafana Bafana Upcoming Fixtures
Bafana Bafana, who currently sit in second place in Group C with seven points, will face Lesotho on Friday, 21 March at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The team will then travel to Abidjan to take on Benin on Tuesday, 25 March. Both matches are crucial for South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup, as they continue to battle it out with Rwanda for the top spot in their group.
Bafana Bafana Full Squad Overview
Broos has named a well-rounded squad that includes both experienced internationals and emerging talents:
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
- Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (SuperSport United), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch)
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Esperance de Tunis, Tunisia), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Qatar SC, Qatar).
The team is eager to make the most of these two vital World Cup qualifiers, with Broos hopeful that the mix of experience and youth will lead to positive results.
Related article: Hugo Broos Names 6 New Faces in Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad
