‘Bafana blow ahead of World Cup qualifier vs Zimbabwe! Makgopa replaces top striker’

South Africa are set to miss two key players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda respectively.

Bafana Bafana are second in Group C with 14 points following the decision by the World Football Governing Body to dock the points for playing suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March.

It explains why they will have to beat the Warriors on Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban as well as collect three points for days later at Mbombela Stadium against Amavubi to stand a chance of toppling Benin who have the same number of points but with a better goal difference.

On Monday, South Africa confirmed Relebohile Mofokeng is out owing to an injury, with Mduduzi Shabalala taking his place.

Rayners out of Bafana Bafana squad

A day later, South Africa have confirmed another worrying news regarding Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners. The in-form player has been sent back to his club for further assesments.

“Iqraam Rayners has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana camp due to medical reasons. He was released back to his club this morning. Evidence Makgoba has been called up as his replacement,” the South Africa communication team confirmed.

This will be a massive chance for both Mduduzi and Makgopa, if they get a chance to play, to show their worth and stake their claim for the forthcoming 2025 AFCON to be played in December in morocco.

Apart from leaders Morocco, Nigeria and Rwanda – who are just three points behind Broos' men, have an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.