Percy Tau and Lyle Foster Return as Bafana Bafana Unveil Strong Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos's announced 37 player preliminary squad for South Africa’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin later this month. The squad includes the much anticipated return of Percy Tau and Lyle Foster who had been absent from recent call ups.

Key Inclusions in the Preliminary Squad

Tau who recently signed with Qatar SC, makes return after last featuring in June’s 1 - 1 draw against Nigeria. Foster on the other hand is back after overcoming injury issues that saw him miss South Africa’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Congo.

Other notable inclusions include Burnley’s Lyle Foster, Orlando Pirates duo Deano van Rooyen & Tshegofatso Mabasa and SuperSport United’s goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

Bafana’s Crucial Fixtures

• March 21: South Africa vs Lesotho (Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane – 18:00 kick-off)
• March 25: Benin vs South Africa (Ivory Coast – venue change due to unsuitable Beninese stadiums)

Bafana currently sit second in Group C behind Rwanda on goal difference. Only the group winners earn automatic qualification while the 2nd placed teams must rely on complex points based system for playoff progression.

Full 37 Man Preliminary Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Sundowns) - Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United) - Sage Stephens (Stellenbosch FC) - Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (SuperSport) - Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy) - Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch) - Rushwin Dortley (Chiefs) - Nkosinathi Sibisi (Pirates) - Aubrey Modiba (Sundowns) - Deano van Rooyen (Pirates) - Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB) - Khuliso Mudau (Sundowns) - Samukelo Kabini (TS Galaxy) - Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch) - Grant Kekana (Sundowns)

Midfielders :Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns) - Jayden Adams (Sundowns) - Bathusi Aubaas (Sundowns) - Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa) - Ndamulelo Maphangule (Chippa) - Luke Le Roux (Varnamo) - Siphesihle Mkhize (Sekhukhune) - Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City) - Patrick Maswanganyi (Pirates) - Relebohile Mofokeng (Pirates) - Thalente Mbatha (Pirates) - Thapelo Morena (Sundowns).

Forwards : Evidence Makgopa (Pirates) - Devin Titus (Stellenbosch) - Tshegofatso Mabasa (Pirates) - Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns) - Ashley Cupido (Stellenbosch) - Elias Mokwana (Esperance) - Lyle Foster (Burnley) - Percy Tau (Qatar SC) - Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol).

Match Tickets and Broadcast Details

Tickets for the Lesotho match are available on TicketPro for R70 adults and R40 children under 12. The game will be broadcast live on SABC.

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.