South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have named a 23-man squad for their final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Bafana Bafana will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on 14 October.
Mamelodi Sundowns dominate with seven players, while Pirates contribute key attackers and a defender. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs players are notably absent from the final list.
Ronwen Williams returns as captain and first-choice goalkeeper
Relebohile Mofokeng, the Orlando Pirates prodigy, earns another call-up after dazzling in domestic competition.
Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena offer pace and penetration up front, crucial for breaking down compact defenses.
Sphephelo Sithole, back from Portugal’s CD Tondela, adds steel and international experience to the midfield.
Notably, Thabang Matuludi has been rewarded for consistent PSL performances, while Nkosinathi Sibisi returns to marshal the backline after captaining the side in July.
South Africa currently sits second in Group C with 14 points following a FIFA ruling that docked them three points for fielding Mokoena against Lesotho.
That penalty has thrown the campaign into jeopardy.
Now level with Benin on 14 points, Bafana must win both matches to secure qualification outright and avoid a fourth consecutive World Cup absence.
Zimbabwe, winless in eight qualifiers, may be out of contention, but remains a potential spoiler.
Rwanda, the only team to beat Bafana in this campaign, will be a stern test.
FULL SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
MIDFIELDERS: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha
DEFENDERS: Malibongwe Khoza, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabang Matuludi, Samukelo Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi
FORWARDS: Thapelo Morena, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng.