Hugo Broos names preliminary Bafana squad for World Cup Qualifiers | OneFootball

Broos announces preliminary Bafana squad

Photo: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria next month.

The Southern African nation will host its match in Bloemfontein, with no CAF approved Stadium in Lesotho. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated clash between South Africa and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will also take place in Bloemfontein.

The 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) bronze medalists will head into the two encounters on the front foot as they are at the summit of group C standings, with 13 points accumulated after six matches played.

Broos’ men enjoy a healthy five-point gap over second-placed Rwanda, who are level on eight points with third-placed Benin. On the other hand, Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread as they are six points behind the table-toppers.

Now, ahead of the crucial matches, the 72-year-old Belgian mentor included five goalkeepers, with Ronwen Williams replacing Bruce Bvuma, as Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Darren Johnson and Leonardo Leaner all retained their places in the preliminary squad.

In defense, Mamelodi Sundowns duo, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Malibongwe Khoza are the new faces, along with Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross, while Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena returned to the team after missing out on the previous squad due to FIFA Club World Cup commitments.

On the other hand, the heart of the midfield has been boosted by the inclusion of newly signed Orlando Pirates midfield maestro Sipho Mbule, with Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Jayden Adams also making their return to the team.

In attack, Broos is spoilt for choice, with the forward line including prolific Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Kamogelo Sebelebele , Devin Titus, Mohau Nkota and Patrick Maswanganyi, among a host of other players.