Soccer
Bafana coach Broos calls for focus ahead of World Cup Qualifiers in Bloem─── MORGAN PIEK 10:21 Fri, 29 Aug 2025
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned that his team will need to be at their absolute best during their two key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to be played in Bloemfontein next month.
On Thursday, Broos named his final 23-man squad for the vital Group C matches against Lesotho and Nigeria at the Toyota Stadium.
Bafana remain comfortably at the top of their tough group. While the match against the team from the Mountain Kingdom will be played in Bloemfontein, it is technically a home game for Lesotho, who are expected to enjoy strong support from the many nationals living in the city and the Free State.
Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be keen to prove a point after a campaign that has so far fallen short of their high standards. South Africa, meanwhile, are on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
Broos stressed the importance of players recognising the rarity of this opportunity. “You know, qualifying for the World Cup is motivation enough. For most of these players, it could be their first – and maybe last – chance to go. Qualifying is extremely difficult, especially here in Africa,” he said.
The Belgian tactician, who played in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico for the Red Devils, and who has indicated he plans to retire after next year’s tournament if South Africa qualifies, also warned that Lesotho should not be underestimated. “You have to fight for every game. Just because we won 5-0 against Congo doesn’t mean it will be easy against Lesotho next Friday,” he said.
One of the surprise selections in the squad is former SuperSport United defender Ime Okon, who now plays for Hannover 96 in Germany. Okon impressed with Bafana earlier this year during the COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein, and Broos believes he deserves a shot at top-level international football.
“We had been monitoring younger players since AFCON, and Ime was already on our list from his time at SuperSport. His progression at Hannover has been impressive, so I believe he deserves this chance. It’s up to him now to seize it,” Broos said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Lesotho and South Africa will take place at the Toyota Stadium on Friday, 5 September, with kick-off at 18:00. Bafana will then face Nigeria on Tuesday, 9 September.
Bafana Bafana Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (captain), Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini, Siyabonga Ngezana
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaa, Thalente Mbatha, Luke Le Roux
Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng
