The Head coach of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, has announced a 36-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June.
The Belgian tactician, who guided South Africa to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast has called up familiar names such as team captain Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena, and Al Ahly forward Percy Tau.
Also included in the team are experienced players Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, and Mothobi Mvala, alongside Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates and England-based Burnley forward Lyle Foster.
The rivalry between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles will be reignited at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on June 7, followed by a clash with Zimbabwe’s Warriors in Bloemfontein on June 11.
The final 23-member squad will be announced in the coming days.
This match marks Bafana Bafana’s return to Bloemfontein for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they last played and secured a memorable 2-1 victory against France.
Broos is eager to see his squad perform against strong opponents as South Africa currently sits second in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with three points from two matches, while Nigeria is third with two points from two draws.
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