Bafana Bafana Final Squad Named for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his final squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with Percy Tau, Jayden Adams, and Lyle Foster making their return to the national team.

Key Fixtures Await

• March 21: South Africa vs. Lesotho – Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
• March 25: Benin vs. South Africa – Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Benin’s home ground deemed unfit for international matches)

Broos on Tau’s Recall

Broos justified Percy Tau’s inclusion after his improved game time at Qatar SC, stating:

“It’s good to have Percy Tau back after a long absence. He wasn’t playing regularly at his previous club but now he’s back to full fitness and can help us qualify for the World Cup.”

Tough Road Ahead

Currently second in Group C, level on 7 points with leaders Rwanda and third-placed Benin, Bafana Bafana must secure maximum points to strengthen their qualification hopes.

“These are crucial matches. Lesotho will fight for every meter, and Benin gave us problems last time. Mentality will be just as important as quality,” Broos warned.

Full Bafana Bafana Squad

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 FC)
• Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
• Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB FC)
• Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC)

Midfielders:

• Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)

Forwards:

• Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
• Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
• Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
• Elias Mokwana (ES Tunis)
• Lyle Foster (Burnley FC)
• Percy Tau (Qatar SC)
• Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Bafana Bafana will begin their training camp on March 17 before traveling to Polokwane. After facing Lesotho, they will fly to Abidjan via charter for the Benin clash, returning to South Africa on March 26.