Broos announces Bafana preliminary squad

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named a 36-member preliminary squad for the friendly matches against Namibia and DR Congo next month.

South Africa will take on Namibia on 9 September and DR Congo on 12 September.

The venue for the two matches is yet to be confirmed. The matches form part of the preparations for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year. They also form part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.

The coach will announce the final list of 23 players next week.

The squad sees the inclusion of three Kaizer Chiefs players in Pule Mmodi, Sfiso Hlanti and Given Msimango. Mamelodi Sundowns are the most represented club with seven players. Current Nedbank Champions Orlando Pirates also have six players on the team.

The squad also sees the return of striker Lebo Mothiba who recently returned from a long-term injury. TS Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbanjana has also been rewarded with a call-up following good form domestically.

Sipho Chaine, Keegan Allan, Ime Okon, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Grant Margeman are some of the notable inclusions.

BAFANA BAFANA PRELIMINARY SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS:

Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates].

DEFENDERS:

Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thabiso Monyane [Orlando Pirates], Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Given Msimango [Kaizer Chiefs], Innocent Maela [Orlando Pirates], Keegan Allan [Moroka Swallows], Ime Okon [SuperSport United], Sfiso Hlanti [Kaizer Chiefs], Zuko Mdunyelwa [Chippa United].

MIDFIELDERS:

Luke Le Roux [Varbergs Bois], Njabulo Blom [Saint Louis], Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Grant Margeman [SuperSport United], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sphephelo Sithole [Tondela], Mlungisi Mbanjana [TS Galaxy].

FORWARDS:

Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Kobamelo Kodisang [Moreirense], Khanyiso Mayo [Cape Town City], Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch], Pule Mmodi [Kaizer Chiefs], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebo Mothiba [Strasbourg], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates].

Meanwhile, the draw of the Africa Cup of Nations will be conducted on 12 October 2023.

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