Pretoria, South Africa – Belgian Hugo Broos, the coach of the South African national team, announced his final squad in preparation for participating in the 2026 World Cup. This came after he finalized his choices following a period of deliberation among a number of players.
The South African national team is in Group A of the World Cup, along with the national teams of Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic.
South African newspaper Sowetan revealed that Bruce has finalized his squad for Bafana Bafana, reducing the initial list of 32 players to just 26.
The newspaper explained that the Belgian coach faced significant difficulties during the final selection process. This was particularly evident in the goalkeeper and midfield positions, due to the players’ similar skill levels and the intense competition witnessed recently.
She added that several prominent names were at risk of being dropped from the final squad, most notably goalkeeper Sebo Chayni, Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Munyani, and midfielder Lebogang Maboe. Also included were Bradley Cross, Brooklyn Bojinbule, and Oluwethu Makhanya.
The newspaper confirmed that Bruce ultimately preferred to rely on experienced players who had been consistently involved with him during recent training camps and matches. This decision was made to ensure maximum team cohesion before the World Cup.
The South African national team is preparing to make its return to the World Cup after a long absence, amid hopes of achieving a strong participation in the global tournament.
The South African national team roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Ricardo Goss (Soweto FC) – Cebu Chiyene (Orlando Pirates).
Defense: Khulisu Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Nkosinathy Sibese (Orlando Pirates) – Emi Okun (Hannover 96) – Khulman Ndlamani (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Samukele Kabene (Molde 04) – Thabang Manthudi (Polokwane City) – Olwetho Makhani (Philadelphia Union) – Fawaz Basadin (Orlando Pirates) – Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs) – Mbekizile Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).
Midfield: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Talenty Mbatha (Orlando Pirates) – Sifullo Sithule (Tondela, Portugal) – Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Attackers: Ozwein Apules (Orlando Pirates) – Ikram Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Chibang Morime (Orlando Pirates) – Relebohili Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) – Evidence Makgoba (Orlando Pirates) – Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Lyle Foster (Burnley, England) – Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).
