Bafana Bafana Squad Named for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Lesotho and Benin

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos's named his final squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho & Benin with key players Percy Tau, Jayden Adams and Lyle Foster returning to the team.

Key Fixtures Await

South Africa will host COSAFA rivals Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo on Friday 21 Mar before traveling to Cote d’Ivoire to face Benin on March 25. Due to stadium issues, Benin will play their home fixture in Abidjan.

Broos on Tau’s Recall

Broos justified Tau’s inclusion after his improved game time at Qatar SC, stating:

“It’s good to have Percy Tau back after long absence. He wasn’t playing regularly at his previous club but now he’s back to full fitness and can help us qualify for the World Cup”.

Tough Road Ahead

Currently second in Group C, level on 7 point with leaders Rwanda and 3rd placed Benin, Bafana Bafana need maximum points to take big step toward securing their world cup spot.

“These're crucial matches. Lesotho will fight for every meter and Benin gave us problems last time. Mentality will be just as important as quality” Broos warned.

Full Bafana Bafana Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
• Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders:

• Sydney Mobbie (SuperSport United)
• Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
• Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC)
• Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
• Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB FC)
• Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC)

Midfielders:

• Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)

Forwards:

• Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
• Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
• Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
• Elias Mokwana (ES Tunis)
• Lyle Foster (Burnley FC)
• Percy Tau (Qatar SC)
• Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Bafana Bafana will begin their training camp on March 17 before heading to Polokwane. After facing Lesotho they'll fly to Abidjan via charter for the Benin clash, returning to South Africa on March 26.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.