STELLENBOSCH defence marshall Thabo Moloisane is the only new face in the Bafana Bafana suqad for Fifa World Cup qualifiers. BackpagePix
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Stellenbosch's rock-solid defender, Thabo Moloisane, is ready to add his continental pedigree to the Bafana Bafana defensive wall after receiving his long-awaited call-up to the national team.
The 26-year-old has been a key figure at the back for Stellies in the past two seasons, earning the trust of national team coach Hugo Broos just as he’s been making waves on the continental stage with his performances in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Moloisane, who has quietly become one of the Premier Soccer League’s most reliable defenders, will now make his mark on the international stage as part of Bafana’s 23-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, set for 21st and 25th March, respectively.
An untimely injury to Kaizer Chiefs' stalwart Rushwin Dortley has opened up space in the national setup, and Moloisane, who has been pushing for this opportunity for some time, is poised to seize it.
The Stellenbosch defender joined the Bafana camp in Polokwane, eager to prove that he can offer something extra at the back when the pressure is on.
“It’s very important to go to the national team with experience on the continent,” said Moloisane, his voice steady and filled with purpose. “You get a real feel of what is required to play at this level. There are so many challenges on the continent, and that’s why I feel my CAF experience puts me in a good place to be properly prepared for the international stage."
Moloisane's journey to this point has been anything but easy. After a stint with the now defunct Maritzburg United, he made the move to Stellenbosch, where he flourished under pressure.
And now, his leadership in CAF competitions has given him a taste of what the big stage demands.
Moloisane also credits his experiences in the COSAFA Cup with the 2024 national squad as pivotal in his adjustment to the senior side, something that should help him hit the ground running with Bafana.
Broos, known for his discerning eye, has also included a fresh face in the squad – Ndamulelo Maphangule. The Orlando Pirates midfielder is set to replace the injured Patrick Maswanganyi, adding more youthful energy to the mix.
In his usual candid style, Broos explained the rationale behind his selections, “It’s simple. It’s the performances. You cannot just call up six young players when you are playing World Cup qualifiers. You need players who are ready to contribute immediately. The fact that these players are here means they’ve earned their place,” he said.
The Belgian coach also made it clear that, for him, selection is all about form.
“Moloisane is a good defender, and Maphangule is a good midfielder. That’s why they’re here,” he said.
With Bafana currently sitting second in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, level on points with Rwanda, the pressure is mounting. Broos is targeting maximum points from the two fixtures, knowing full well that anything less could leave them in a precarious position.
Six points from the upcoming matches would put Bafana top of the standings, a crucial position as they continue their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.