Ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, South Africa national team coach, Hugo Broos, announced a 36-man preliminary squad on Wednesday.
The Belgian tactician, who led South Africa to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they lost on penalties against the Eagles, has called upon familiar names like team captain Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena and Al Ahly forward Percy Tau.
The former Cameroon boss also invited the experienced trio of Thembo Zwane, Aubrey Modiba and Mothobi Mvala; Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates; and England-based Burnley forward Lyle Foster.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June pic.twitter.com/rHSxuUgAyk
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 15, 2024
Broos, 72, revealed that the final 23-man squad will be announced in the next few days.
The Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles will rekindle their rivalry at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7, before returning to host the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, June 11.
South Africa are currently second in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with three points, following a win and a defeat from two games, while Nigeria, who are unbeaten, are third with two points from two draws.
