South Africa national team coach Hugo Broos confirmed his final selection as Bafana Bafana prepare to clash with Lesotho and Benin in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying this month.
As expected, Mamelodi Sundowns players compose a large portion of the group which will face Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on March 21 before traveling to duel with Benin four days later in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Group C is fully up for grabs at this point with South Africa level on seven points with Rwanda and Benin, making their second match against the Cheetahs one that could launch them further towards qualification. With Nigeria and Zimbabwe faltering early on in their respective campaigns, Bafana Bafana are now the favorites to win the group with increased expectations to live up to.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group C table (4 matches played)
Points | |
Rwanda | 7 |
South Africa | 7 |
Benin | 7 |
Lesotho | 5 |
Nigeria | 3 |
Zimbabwe | 2 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is the star of the squad along with Sundowns teammate and central midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Also included from Sundowns is in form forward Iqraam Rayners and recent Sundowns signing Jayden Adams as well as Bathusi Aubaas and fullbacks Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba among others from the South African club champions.
Striker Lyle Foster returns to the fold along with Percy Tau after both attackers previously battled injuries. Elias Mokwana is included after thriving for Tunisia Ligue 1 leaders Espérance de Tunis while rising talent Oswin Appolis of Polokwane City is also involved.
Sundowns' Betway Premiership rivals Orlando Pirates have an increased presence in the squad with talented starlet Relebohile Mofokeng joining club teammates Patrick Maswanganyi, Thalente Mbatha, Nkosinathi Sibisi and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine in the squad.
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