Broos announces Bafana preliminary squad for Morocco

Hugo Broos has announced a 34-member preliminary squad for the Bafana Bafana CAF Afcon qualifier match against Morocco. The match will take place on Saturday, 17 June, at FNB Stadium.

The squad will be trimmed to 23 players early next month. A reduced pre-camp will also be held from 31 May 2023 to 7 June. It will be made up of local and a few overseas-based players. Both teams have already qualified for the tournament to be held in Ivory Coast on 13 January – 11 February 2024.

NOTABLE INCLUSIONS

Some of the notable inclusion in the squad include Stellenbosch forward Iqraam Rayners. Rayners has been in hot form since his move from SuperSport United to Stellies in January. The 27-year-old has scored 15 times during the period, nine in the league and six in the Nedbank Cup.

TS Galaxy captain Given Msimango has also been rewarded for his form this season. The 26-year-old is also amongst the nominees for the DStv Premiership defenders of the season.

Another player who has finally caught the eye of coach Hugo Broos is Kobamelo Kodisang. Kodisang is enjoying himself in the Portuguese second division and helped FC Moreirense to the title and promotion to the top flight.

HUGO BROOS PRELIMINARY BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS:

Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United].

DEFENDERS: 
Given Msimango [TS Galaxy], Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Innocent Maela [Orlando Pirates], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Taariq Fielies [Cape Town City], Siyanda Xulu [Turan Tovuz]. 

MIDFIELDERS: 

Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Bathusi Aubaas [TS Galaxy], Thapelo Maseko [SuperSport United], Njabulo Blom [St. Louis City], Grant Magerman [SuperSport United], Miguel Timm [Orlando Pirates], Sphelele Mkhulise [Mamelodi Sundowns], Like Le Roux [Varbergs BoIS]. 

FORWARDS:
Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Zakhele Lepasa [SuperSport United], Cassius Mailula [Mamelodi Sundowns], Khanyisa Mayo [Cape Town City], Kobamelo Kodisang [Moreirense], Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Pule Mmodi [Golden Arrows], Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch].

South Africa are guaranteed to finish at least in second position in Group K. A win against Morocco can also give them an outside chance of finishing top of the group.

RELATED STORY: Another Bafana Bafana star wins league title abroad