Broos unveiled his provisional squad on Thursday evening, and while there were no major surprises, the heavy representation from Pirates and Sundowns underlined just how influential the two clubs have been this season. Both teams contributed nine players each to the squad, reinforcing their status as the standard-bearers of South African football.

Hugo Broos - Morgan Piek

Pirates have enjoyed another outstanding campaign and remain on course for a remarkable domestic treble after already lifting the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies, while they are heavily favoured to win the Premier Soccer League title for the first time in 12 years on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sundowns continue their pursuit of continental glory and are edging closer to CAF Champions League success as they take a 1-0 aggregate lead into Sunday’s second-leg final against AS FAR in Rabat, Morocco.

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement was the inclusion of Brandon Petersen of Kaizer Chiefs as one of four goalkeepers. Petersen’s selection has added fresh intrigue to the goalkeeping battle ahead of the global showpiece, where South Africa will compete for the first time in 16 years.

Petersen’s impressive performances for Amakhosi this season helped the Soweto giants secure a third-place finish in the Premiership, and his form has now thrown the race for the backup goalkeeper spots wide open.

Broos already has trusted options in captain Ronwen Williams of Sundowns, Sipho Chaine of Pirates, and Ricardo Goss of Siwelele FC, but Petersen’s consistency and composure between the posts have intensified the debate over who will ultimately travel to North and Central America.

Ricardo Goss - Morgan Piek

There was, however, disappointment for Keanu Cupido, with the Sundowns defender left out despite growing calls for his inclusion following several commanding displays during the club’s CAF Champions League campaign.

Speaking during Siwelele’s media open day in Johannesburg ahead of Saturday’s clash against Sekhukhune United, Goss admitted that representing South Africa at the World Cup remains one of his biggest ambitions.

“It’s definitely become more competitive,” said Goss, who was only 16 years old the last time Bafana played at a World Cup.

Brandon Pieterson - Morgan Piek

“The quality of goalkeeping in the league has improved a lot. You can see it in the number of clean sheets this season. I can’t remember the last time we had three goalkeepers all producing numbers like this in the same campaign.”

The goalkeeper also acknowledged the fierce competition for places in Broos’ final squad, praising the overall improvement in goalkeeping standards across the league this season.

Chaine has been exceptional for Pirates during their title push, keeping a record-extending 20 clean sheets in the Premiership, while Petersen has been one of Chiefs’ standout performers with 15 clean sheets of his own.

Sipho Chaine - Morgan Piek

The growing depth in the goalkeeping department will come as welcome news for Bafana Bafana, particularly after years of concern over the lack of top-quality local shot-stoppers in South African football.

Broos will announce his final World Cup squad on Wednesday, 27 May, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The final travelling group may consist of up to 26 players, with FIFA requiring a minimum squad size of 23.

Bafana will kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign on 11 June against co-hosts Mexico national football team in Mexico City in the opening match of the global showpiece.

Bafana Bafana Preliminary World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Peterson (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

Morgan Piek OFM Sport