As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approach in March, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos faces significant challenges due to injuries to key players. With some regulars sidelined, Broos must find solutions to ensure his team is prepared for the qualifiers.
Key Players on the Sidelines: Bafana’s Injury List
- Mothobi Mvala
- Injury Status: Has been out since November last year.
- Expectations: Mvala recently mentioned he expects to be back in action soon. However, given the solid performances of new defender Lucas Suarez, it remains uncertain whether Mvala will regain his starting spot immediately.
- Khuliso Mudau
- Injury Status: Missed the last four matches for Sundowns, with his last appearance on January 21.
- Expectations: Mudau’s return date is still unclear, and this poses a significant challenge for Broos, who has relied on him for some time.
- Thabiso Sesane
- Injury Status: Injured and expected to be out for a while.
- Expectations: Not an option for Broos, as he is unavailable due to injury.
- Thalente Mbatha
- Injury Status: Recently picked up a knock but is now fit to play.
- Expectations: Mbatha is believed to be ready for selection and could be available for the World Cup qualifiers.
- Themba Zwane
- Injury Status: Has returned to training after an injury last year.
- Expectations: It’s unclear when Zwane will be fully match-fit, so Broos will need to monitor his progress closely before making any decisions.
- Grant Kekana
- Injury Status: Was absent from the final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Expectations: Kekana is expected to return to the national team, adding depth to the squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Upcoming Fixtures: Bafana Bafana’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Bafana Bafana’s next World Cup qualifying matches are scheduled as follows:
- March 17, 2025: Home game against Lesotho. This match presents an opportunity for Bafana Bafana to build momentum in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
- March 24, 2025: Away match against Benin. Facing Benin on their home turf will be a challenging encounter, and securing a positive result is crucial for Bafana Bafana’s aspirations.
Broos’ Dilemma: Who Will Be Fit for the Qualifiers?
With these injury challenges, Coach Hugo Broos must carefully manage his squad. As he prepares to announce his preliminary squad by the end of this month, Broos will likely rely on his fitness staff to assess players’ recovery statuses. He may also call up replacements for those still unavailable or not yet match-ready, ensuring there is enough depth in each position.
Also Read: AFCON 2025 Draw: Will Bafana Bafana Conquer Group B of Death with Egypt?
Broos’ primary focus will be to integrate returning players like Grant Kekana and assess whether the likes of Mvala and Mudau can be included despite their injury setbacks. He may also need to adjust his tactics and line-up depending on the fitness levels of players like Themba Zwane and Thalente Mbatha. Ultimately, Broos’ flexibility and ability to adapt to the evolving injury situation will be key to Bafana Bafana’s success in the qualifiers.
