Hugo Broos has revealed his Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria – www.isagoal.com reports.
According to TimesLIVE, the Belgian tactician has handed a call-up to teenage Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who joins the squad for the first time.
South Africa will play Lesotho on September 5 before hosting Nigeria at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on September 9.
Bafana currently lead Group C with 13 points from six matches, while Rwanda and Benin sit second with eight points each.
Nigeria are fourth on seven points, followed by Lesotho with six and Zimbabwe with four, leaving little margin for error in this qualification window.
Broos also named Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Zuko Mdunyelwa, and Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala among his selections.
However, Khuliso Mudau, Percy Tau, and Evidence Makgopa were left out, with Broos insisting he trusts the players he has chosen.
“Don’t underestimate Lesotho and we have to win both games,” said Broos, stressing that victories would strengthen their chances of reaching the 2026 finals.
The coach added: “Nigeria will bring their usual stars, but I think they will be more afraid of us.”
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams leads the squad alongside Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, and several young attackers.
Broos made it clear that his side must secure maximum points in this international break to maintain their lead in Group C.