It is almost time for Hugo Broos to name his Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the global showpiece fast approaching, national teams across the football world are entering the final phase of preparation. So, it is time to fine-tune combinations and to settle selection debates.
For Hugo Broos, the margins are razor thin. Big calls loom. Reputations, form, and tactical balance must converge. Here is how the final Bafana Bafana squad could take shape.
BIG CALL BETWEEN KAIZER CHIEFS AND ORLANDO PIRATES STARS IN GOAL
Ronwen Williams will captain Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That much is beyond debate.
The real intrigue lies in which players will provide back-up to the Mamelodi Sundowns captain in goal.
Ricardo Goss has been the consistent understudy in recent campaigns and remains the frontrunner for the number two jersey. The final goalkeeping berth, however, is where things get very interesting…
Renaldo Leaner’s surprise inclusion against Panama raised eyebrows. Particularly, with Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine absent due to reported disciplinary reasons.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Peterson continues to stake a strong claim. He has further strengthened calls for selection – emphatically – after delivering a Man of the Match performance in the Soweto derby, notably outshining Chaine on the day.
Thereafter, he went on to make arguably the most important save of the season with an injury time save that shifted the dynamic of the whole league. Petersons heroics have now placed the power of fate into the hands of their Soweto rivals after taking it away from the reigning and defending Betway Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, consistency remains king. Chaine’s 13 clean sheets in this season’s Betway Premiership underline his reliability over time. So, that could prove decisive when Broos makes his final call.
GOALKEEPERS: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC) and Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO DOMINATE DEFENCE
Continuity and cohesion define the Bafana Bafana backline and Mamelodi Sundowns are its backbone.
Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, and Khulumani Ndamane have become trusted pillars under Broos. The Brazilians defensive trio bring both tactical discipline and continental pedigree. They are expected to be complemented by Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, whose leadership and defensive intelligence add steel to the unit.
Meanwhile, ex-Bucs defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has steadily built a compelling case through his performances abroad and recent national team displays. Hannover 96’s Ime Okon’s upward trajectory suggests a player peaking at precisely the right moment, just in time for selection into the national side ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The remaining places are likely to reward versatility and squad balance, with Thabang Matuludi and Samukelo Kabini edging into contention.
DEFENDERS: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
BALANCE OF YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE IN THE MIDFIELD
At the heart of Bafana Bafana lies a midfield engineered for both control and transition.
Teboho Mokoena is the full package – a metronome of composure and authority. Alongside him, is his exciting Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Jayden Adams who offers skill, energy, dynamism and vertical thrust. While Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha injects energy and bite.
Additionally, Sphephelo Sithole remains a trusted lieutenant in Broos’ system, valued for his tactical intelligence and consistency across multiple campaigns.
This blend of youth and experience provides the equilibrium required to compete against elite opposition.
MIDFIELDERS: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (C.D. Tondela)
EXCITING RED-HOT ATTACK READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
Few areas of the squad carry as much excitement and competition as the forward line.
Lyle Foster arrives with English Premier League experience, offering pace and physical presence. Relebohile Mofokeng, arguably the most electrifying young talent in the PSL, brings flair and fearlessness. Oswin Appollis continues to deliver end product, strengthening his credentials as one of the league’s standout performers.
Then there is Themba Zwane “Mshishi” the heartbeat of Bafana Bafana’s attacking philosophy. A guaranteed inclusion, his creativity and composure remain indispensable.
Additionally, Orlando Pirates attacker Tshepang Moremi and ex-Bucs striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane – now thriving in Major League Soccer are set to be joined by Thapelo Maseko, whose attacking versatility broadens Broos’ tactical options.
ATTACKERS (STRIKERS AND WINGERS): Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC, USA), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
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SELECTION HEADACHE FOR BROOS
A final subplot remains at centre-forward.
It appears to be a straight shoot-out between Orlando Pirates’ Evidence Makgopa and Iqraam Rayners. The latter’s recent absence due to medical reasons has complicated his case, while Makgopa’s limited minutes at club level have raised questions.
Even so, Broos has shown a willingness to back profiles that fit his system. Makgopa’s physicality and directness may yet give him the edge.
The depth is such that proven performers like Tshegofatso Mabasa and Iqraam Rayners risk missing out. This is an indication of just how competitive this attacking pool has become.
TALENTED TRIO ON STANDBY
Selection inevitably brings heartbreak. There is unfortunately not space for everyone’s fan-favourite with the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch, Percy Tau and Monnapule all set to miss out. Thankfully, there is space for three players to be selected – on standby.
Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Peterson, Orlando Pirates playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi, and fan favourite Mohau Nkota – now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ettifaq, are among the high-profile names on the fringes. As mentioned, Rayners is also now fit so he is back in contention too.
Peterson, in particular, is knocking loudly. Another commanding display on the big stage could yet force a late rethink. If the Kaizer Chiefs captain puts in a similar display against Mamelodi Sundowns he will further strengthen his case. However, as it stands, he is likely to be named on standby alongside Nkota and the versatile Iqraam Rayners. I feel like Maswanganyi will just miss out on selection as he did in the recent Bafana Bafana squad named to face Panama.
Such is the depth at Broos’ disposal that even decorated and in-form players may find themselves watching from the outside.
PLAYERS ON STANDBY: Brandon Peterson (Kaizer Chiefs), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ittifaq) and Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
WHICH CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE – WHO SHOULD BE ADDED AND WHO SHOULD NOT BE IN THE BAFANA BAFANA FIFA WORLD CUP SQUAD?
Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.