Hugo Broos sheds light on Maseko, Rayners selection for World Cup

Africa 28 May 2026 at 11:41

Hlayisani Magoro

News Editor

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has shed light on the decision to include Thapelo Maseko and Iqraam Rayners in his 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

The Belgian mentor trimmed the preliminary squad that was announced last week to the required 26-man team on Wednesday, raising a few eyebrows with some selections.

Maseko, who recently returned to the Bafana fold in March after a prolonged absence, made the cut in the final squad set to represent South Africa in the global showpiece.

Broos attributed the explosive winger's inclusion to an improved game time and injury record at AEL Limassol, where he is on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns until end of May.

“Maseko is doing very well in Cyprus, so he was already with us but in that period he was a guy that was injured every two weeks. He suffered a lot of injuries, now he played nearly all season with his team in Cyprus, he played good at a good level,” said the veteran tactician.

"So, we called him in March, I was very happy with what I saw from him, and that's also the reason why he's with us.

Among the returnees is Rayners, whose last national team call-up had dated back to September 2025, owing to health issues according to the 74-year-old Bafana boss.

“Rayners was out of the team because of his health problems. And then he had some difficulties to have that place in the team again. The games he played he scored, so you know with Rayners that he's able to score,” Broos added.

"He's also a different type compared to the other two. So, you have [Lyle] Foster, you have [Evidence] Makgopa, it's the tall guys but you have also him. He's fast, he's really the one who has the smell of the goals.

"So, we have opportunities now, in the setup of our opponents we will choose Foster, Makgopa, or Rayners. And also, during the game if you have to change something, so we have a lot of type of players, and that's why I wanted him with the team.

Bafana have been pitted in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Korea, with the tournament set to begin on 11 June.

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