Bafana Bafana will continue their bid to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup as they shift their focus to the upcoming qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
On Thursday, Hugo Broos named a 23-player squad that will take on neighbors Lesotho next Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium (kick-off 6pm). Four days later, they will travel to Ivory Coast to face Benin at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan (also 6pm).
South Africa are currently second in Group C, level on seven points with Rwanda after each of the six teams have played four matches. Broos and his charges suffered a setback with a 2-0 loss to Rwanda early in the qualifiers, but they have since picked up four points from their last two fixtures, leaving them behind the East African side only on goal difference.
The Bafana coach has named a strong squad, which includes the return of Percy Tau and Jayden Adams. Stellenbosch FC duo Thabo Moloisane and Fawaaz Basadien have also been called up following impressive domestic performances.
Bafana Bafana have failed to qualify for the Fifa World Cup in three attempts since hosting the tournament in 2010. Broos believes that securing maximum points in the next two fixtures would be a significant step toward qualification.
“If we can achieve six points in the next two games, I believe we will be making a big step towards qualification,” Broos said, after announcing the squad.
The 72-year-old added that his team must not underestimate their two opponents despite past victories against them.
“These will be two very important but tough games,” Broos continued. “We must not underestimate Lesotho — not necessarily in terms of quality but in mentality. They will fight for 90 minutes, especially against South Africa.
“Then we play Benin. We struggled against them a year ago, winning 2-1 in a difficult match. The circumstances are different now because we’ve made a lot of progress, but it will still be a tough game.
“Let’s hope we can achieve what we want. We are capable, but in these two games, mentality will be more important than quality.”
The Old Peter Mokaba Stadium has hosted PSL matches this season, while the New Peter Mokaba Stadium has been recovering from damage caused by a concert last year. Broos confirmed that the venue meets the required standards ahead of their opening match against Lesotho.
“When I saw that our game was in Polokwane, the first thing I said was that if the pitch wasn’t up to standard, we wouldn’t play there. The ground staff worked on it, and when I checked last week, the pitch looked beautiful.
“The pitch is fantastic, and we will have no excuses if we don’t perform well against Lesotho. I’m very happy with the surface.”
Bafana still have their fate in their hands, and wins in their next two fixtures could put them in a strong position. The winner of the group will qualify for the World Cup finals, set to be hosted in North America by the US, Canada, and Mexico next year.
Bafana squad to face Lesotho and Benin
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie,Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana , Thabo Moloisane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khuliso Mudau, and Fawaaz Basadien
Midfielders: Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, Teboho Mokoena and Thalente Mbatha
Attackers: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana, Lyle Foster and Percy Tau