AS expected some would fall on the wayside and others spotlight will be on them to produce magic on the field.
Now that national coach Hugo Broos has named his 26-players to the much awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup kick-off, he made exclusion of other key players- for reasons best known to him and technical team.
Surprisingly, Burnley striker Lyle Foster has been included. He’s performance has been questionable both at his club (relegated) and for the country.
The reveal was held at President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa’s Guest House in Pretoria, on Wednesday evening, who also presided over by wishing the team well.
“I do not want to hear or see a situation whereby the boys will be returning home after three- games. I do not want that, personally,” he told the team and guests that also included members of the press.
“We are going there to perform, prove our worth and produce desired results all South Africans will be proud of. You’re capable of producing miracles and this is your time to shine after not qualifying for the WC 16 years’ ago,” addressed the President.
Bafana will wrap up their local preparations with an international friendly game with Nicaragua on Friday evening at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto.
Then on Sunday they jet-off to North America for the final friendly match.
On June 11, the big spectacle takes over as Bafana face co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Coyoacán, Mexico City. The fixture sets up a thrilling repeat of their memorable 2010 World Cup opening showdown on South African soil.
US and Canada are also co-hosting the 2026 FIFA WC.
Bafana’s Group A consists of South Korea and the Czech Republic, respectively.
Full squad is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates]
DEFENDERS
Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Khulumani Ndamane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ime Okon [Hannover 96], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Samukele Kabini [Molde FK], Thabang Matuludi [Polokwane City], Olwethu Makhanya [Philadelphia Union], Kamogelo Sebelebele [Orlando Pirates], Bradley Cross [Kaizer Chiefs], Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Chicago Fire]
MIDFIELDERS
Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Jayden Adams [Mamelodi Sundowns],Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Sphephelo Sithole [CD Tondela]
FORWARDS
Oswin Appollis [Orlando Pirates], Iqraam Rayners [Mamelodi Sundowns], Tshepang Moremi [Orlando Pirates], Relebohile Mofokeng [Orlando Pirates], Evidence Makgopa [Orlando Pirates], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Lyle Foster [Burnley FC], Thapelo Maseko [AEL Limassol].
Omitted players includes Al-Ittihad SC forward Thembinkosi Lorch, Mamelodi Sundowns defensive duo of Keanu Cupido and Grant Kekana, Gift Links, Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana, Mohau Nkota, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, and Luther Singh.
Six players were left out of the squad named by the Belgian from the actual 32-man preliminary squad.
Brandon Petersen [Kaizer Chiefs], Thabiso Monyane [Kaizer Chiefs], Brooklyn Poggenpoel [Durban City], Lebohang Maboe [Kaizer Chiefs], Patrick Maswanganyi [Orlando Pirates] and Thapelo Morena [Mamelodi Sundowns].
Image provided (Pres Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa limned being handed-over the Bafana jersey by captain Ronwen Williams at the squad announcement on Wednesday evening, in Pretoria.)
