Bafana bank on fresh blood with Hugo Broos set to expand squad pool

Bafana Bafana have been on an upward trajectory recently, which is why expectations will be high for the team to win both of their international friendlies in June.

Bafana will face Lesotho and Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, knowing that victories in both matches will secure their place at the finals in North America. To ensure they leave no stone unturned in their preparations and expand their squad, Bafana have scheduled two friendlies on home soil.

Hugo Broos’ side will host Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium next week Friday (kick-off 7.30pm), before facing Mozambique four days later at Loftus Versfeld. 

Broos is set to announce his 23-man final squad on Thursday afternoon, despite omitting Mamelodi Sundowns players due to their congested schedule. Sundowns will face Pyramids in their must-win CAF Champions League final second leg at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 7pm) — the same day Bafana players are due to report for camp.

Thirteen days later, the Brazilians will represent South Africa and the continent at the Fifa Club World Cup, which runs until July 13 in the US.

The absence of Sundowns players has opened the door for new talent to be integrated into the squad and impress Broos ahead of the qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Moracco in December.

While new faces are expected, Broos has retained the core of his regulars in the 41-man preliminary squad he announced last week.

Orlando Pirates, having once again finished second in the Betway Premiership, are likely to have strong representation. Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng are all expected to retain their places in the national team.

Youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi could also earn his first senior call-up after a stellar breakthrough season at Pirates. The tough-tackling midfielder was so integral to his club that they opted not to release him for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — a tournament Amajita went on to win against Morocco.

His composure on and off the ball has drawn widespread praise, and many believe he deserves at least a nomination for Young Player of the Season. Mbokazi’s teammate, Mohau Nkota, could also make his international debut after impressing during Pirates’ CAF Champions League campaign.

Meanwhile, despite Kaizer Chiefs finishing outside the Top 8 for a second consecutive season, their Nedbank Cup triumph has provided a silver lining. Yusuf Maart, Bruce Bvuma, and Mduduzi Shabalala have all been included in Bafana’s preliminary squad — a notable change under Broos, given their prior omissions.

Although it’s uncertain whether any of the trio will make the final cut, the call-ups offer a boost for them and their Chiefs teammates moving forward.

Broos is also keen to work with players who can seamlessly integrate into the squad, should any of his regulars be unavailable for the September camp.

That opens the door for the likes of Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Mihlali Mayambela, and Evidence Makgopa to make their mark. The trio have had varying degrees of involvement in the national team setup, but after solid performances for their clubs, they’ll be eager to carry that form into the Bafana camp.