Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced a preliminary squad for South Africa’s upcoming national team camp as preparations intensify for the next phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The squad will assemble from 23 March to 1 April 2026, giving the Belgian tactician an opportunity to assess form, test combinations and strengthen the team ahead of crucial international fixtures later this year.
Broos has retained a strong core of experienced internationals while also handing opportunities to several promising young players from the Premier Soccer League and abroad. The squad reflects a mix of domestic stars and foreign-based professionals currently playing in Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Goalkeepers
Khulumani Ndamane – Orlando Pirates FC
Tshepang Moremi – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates FC
Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC
Defenders
Ime Okon – Hannover 96 (Germany)
Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK (Norway)
Mbekezi Mbokazi – Chicago Fire FC (USA)
Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Mthetheleli Mthiyane – Stellenbosch FC
Olwethu Makhanya – Philadelphia SC (USA)
Kamogelo Sebelebele – Orlando Pirates FC
Ndamulelo Maphangule – Polokwane City FC
Thapelo Morena – AEL Limassol (Cyprus)
Deano Van Rooyen – Orlando Pirates FC
Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City FC
Midfielders
Themba Zwane – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Patrick Maswanganyi – Orlando Pirates FC
Jayden Adams – Stellenbosch FC
Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates FC
Darren Johnson – AmaZulu FC
Luke Le Roux – Portsmouth FC (England)
Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)
Renaldo Leaner – Sekhukhune United FC
Forwards
Lyle Foster – Burnley FC (England)
Evidence Makgopa – Orlando Pirates FC
Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates FC
Bongokuhle Hlongwane – Minnesota SC (USA)
Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates FC
Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia)
Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers FC (England)
Focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The squad announcement forms part of South Africa’s long-term build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 and will feature an expanded format with 48 national teams for the first time in the competition’s history.
African teams will have nine automatic qualification places, with an additional spot available through an intercontinental playoff, significantly increasing the continent’s chances of representation at the global showpiece.
For Bafana Bafana, the road to qualification remains challenging but realistic. Under Broos, South Africa has steadily rebuilt its identity, blending experienced leaders with a new generation of emerging talent.
The upcoming camp will therefore play a crucial role as the coaching staff evaluates players, fine-tunes tactics and builds momentum ahead of decisive qualification matches.
With national pride and a coveted World Cup place at stake, every training session between 23 March and 1 April could determine who ultimately earns a place in Broos’ final squad when the qualifiers resume.
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