Confirmed Lineup: Bafana Bafana to Square Off Against Eswatini and Ivory Coast in Upcoming Matches

Bafana Bafana Trim Squad for Upcoming Friendlies and AFCON Qualifiers

South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, has made some changes to their squad ahead of the upcoming international friendlies and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The squad, initially consisting of 36 players, has been reduced to 23, with some notable changes. Hugo Broos, the head coach of Bafana Bafana, has made his selections after careful consideration.

One of the standout inclusions is Sibongiseni Mthethwa, a midfielder who currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs. Mthethwa is a new signee for the football club and will now represent his country on an international stage.

In goal, Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), and Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United) will battle it out for the number one spot.

Defenders in the squad include Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Maphosa Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Paseka Mako (Orlando Pirates), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United), and Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Upfront, Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United, US), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Al Ahly SC, Egypt), Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Lebo Mothiba (RC Strasbourg, France), and Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates) will provide the attacking threat.

Themba Zwane missed a place in the preliminary squad due to a head injury, and Kaizer Chiefs' playmaker Pule Mmodi has replaced him. Notably, Mmodi is the only Kaizer Chiefs representative in the squad, apart from Mthethwa.

The upcoming friendlies against Eswatini on the 13th of October and Ivory Coast on the 17th of October are preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda in November. Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in their last nine matches, winning six matches and drawing three.

Midfielders in the squad are Njabulo Blom (St Louis City, US), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), and Mthethwa.

With these changes and the team's current form, Bafana Bafana will be looking to continue their impressive run in the upcoming friendlies and qualifiers.

Confirmed Lineup: Bafana Bafana to Square Off Against Eswatini and Ivory Coast in Upcoming Matches