South Africa will first square off against neighbours Lesotho on Friday, 5 September 2025, at the Toyota Stadium, and four days later, on Tuesday, 9 September, Broos’ charges will host Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the very same venue.

These matches come at a critical stage in the qualifying campaign. Bafana currently sit top of Group C with 13 points from six outings, putting them in a commanding position to qualify. They hold a five-point cushion over second-placed Rwanda and Benin, both on eight points. 

Nigeria, surprisingly, find themselves in fourth with seven points, while Lesotho (six points) and Zimbabwe (four points) complete the standings. With only four matches remaining, every point will prove decisive in the race to the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

Ricardo Goss. Photo: Morgan Piek

Broos has used the preliminary squad to cast his net wide, rewarding consistent performers in the Premier Soccer League with national recognition.

Among the new inclusions is AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson, who has been in fine form this season. Kaizer Chiefs’ Bradley Cross and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Zuko Mdunyelwa also earn call-ups, underlining the coach’s desire to freshen up the defensive line. 

In midfield, Siphesihle Mkhize of Sekhukhune United and Gape Moralo from Siwelele FC have been handed opportunities to impress. Exciting young attackers such as Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy) and Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates) are also included.

Despite the injection of youth, Broos has retained the core of the squad that impressed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where South Africa claimed the bronze medal. Seasoned campaigners like Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Evidence Makgopa, and Lyle Foster will provide experience and leadership in the high-pressure clashes.

Broos, who has often spoken about the need for consistency and mental toughness, will be urging his charges to approach both games with intensity. 

The Toyota Stadium has become a fortress for South African football and is expected to provide a passionate atmosphere, with fans eager to see their team edge closer to a first World Cup appearance since 2010 on home soil.

Preliminary Bafana Bafana Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Renaldo Leaner, Sipho Chaine, Darren Johnson
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndame, Thabo Maloi, Thapelo Morena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Keegan Allan, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Bradley Cross, Siyabonga Ngezana

Midfielders: Sipho Mbule, Themba Zwane, Samukelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Mihlali Mayambela, Ime Okon, Malibongwe Khoza, Vuyo Letlapa, Luke le Roux, Gape Moralo, Siphesihle Mkhize, Devin Titus, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, Teboho Mokoena, Mduduzi Shabalala

Forwards: Thalente Mbatha, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshepang Moremi, Iqraam Rayners, Puso Dithejane, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ashley Cupido, Deano Van Rooyen, Lyle Foster, Aubrey Modiba, Bongokuhle Hlongwane

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs