South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos has named a strong 32-man preliminary squad for their upcoming double-header against Congo in next month’s qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 72-year-old Belgian has recalled goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams to the team after the 32-year-old missed their last two matches due to injury. He has also called upon Percy Tau after he omitted the Al Ahl forward from last month’s squad.
Bross also called upon Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who despite his good form in front of goal, has frequently been overlooked. Mabasa has three goals in eight matches in all competitions this season along with being the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) top scorer last season with 16 goals.
Other big names that made the preliminary list include Burney forward Lyle Foster, and the Mamelodi Sundowns trio of Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, and Grant Kekana.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces his preliminary squad for the Congo AFCON qualifier matches…..@CastleLagerSA @10bet_ZA @flysaa pic.twitter.com/5trrE60fNL
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 24, 2024
The Bafana Bafana have started their journey to Morocco 2025 fairly well, with four points after a draw and a win in their opening two games in Group K. They needed a last gasp goal to hold Uganda to a 2-2 draw, and another later goal from Thalente Mbatha again helped them secure a hard-fought 3-2 win at South Sudan.
Broos’ men, who are second in the group standings behind Uganda’s Cranes due to an inferior goal difference, will host Congo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on October 11 in matchday three, before heading to Brazzaville for the return leg four days later on October 15.
FULL 32-MAN PRELIMINARY SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Morena, Rushwin Dortley, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Mudau, Khuliso Mudau, Thabiso Sesane, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Luke le Roux, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards: Tshegofatso Mabasa, Iqraam Rayners, Mihlali Mayambela, Percy Tau, Elias Mokwana, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Devin Titus, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi
