By Ernest Makhaya

Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers!

Hugo Broos will choose from this preliminary squad when deciding on his final 23-man to represent Bafana Bafana in September.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Broos’ charges will take on Lesotho and Nigeria on 5 and 9 September respectively in their attempt to qualify for the 2026 global showpiece.

There are familiar faces in the preliminary squad, including that of Sipho Mbule, Mohau Nkota who recently moved to Saudi Arabia.

Orlando Pirates youngsters Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng have also cracked the nod.

Interestingly, Kaizer Chiefs have also been represented by Bradley Cross and Mduduzi Shabalala.

As expected, Mamelodi Sundowns dominate this preliminary squad with the majority of their top stars making the cut.

There are concerns, though, with two of Sundowns players in Khuliso Mudau and Themba Zwane who have also been included.

Mudau is yet to kick a ball for Sundowns this season while Zwane suffered an injury against Pirates last week.

Zwane is expected to be out for at least two months, according to his Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso.

Now, Broos is expected to trim the squad down to 23 closer to the dates of these two crucial fixtures.

South Africa top the Group C standings with 13 points from six matches followed by Rwanda who are on eight points.

WHO WILL MAKE THE FINAL SQUAD?

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211