Bafana World Cup squad: 5 big misses from Hugo Broos’ squad

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos finally let the cat out of the bag when he released his preliminary 2026 World Cup squad on Thursday.

Broos, who had announced that he would release his final team on May 27, generated debate with his selection in the 33-man squad, but while there are some who will be heartbroken when that happens, there are a number that were crushed on Thursday.

So, who are the biggest names that have missed out on the preliminary squad?

Siyabonga Ngezana

One of the most reliable defenders under Broos, Siyabonga Ngezana was the biggest name to miss out after he was omitted, perhaps due to fitness concerns.

While he returned to action in late April, Ngezana had not played for his Romanian club FCSB since January due to an injury and that saw Broos make up his mind and decide to omit him.

Ngezana has played 34 games for FCSB this season but made his first start since January on Monday, May 18 and that was not enough to convince Broos.

Keanu Cupido

Perhaps the player that will feel hard done by is Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back Keanu Cupido who has been an ever-reliable presence for the Brazilians and was hoping to catch the eye of Broos.

Cupido has made himself available throughout the season, playing 31 games in all competitions, and even took injections to feature in the CAF Champions League final first leg last weekend.

However, Broos looked elsewhere when selecting his central defenders for the World Cup, opting for Cupido’s teammate Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya and Nkosintahi Sibisi.

Sipho Mbule

Not a surprise but a big disappointment anyway. Sipho Mbule was expected to miss out after struggling for gametime at Orlando Pirates since January.

Mbule had wormed his way into the heart of Broos last September and played a key part in their qualification for the World Cup before making the AFCON 2025 squad.

However, with just five substitute appearances since he came back from AFCON, Mbule has paid the ultimate price as he was overlooked by Broos in favour of others who play regularly.

Mohau Nkota

Another player who has missed out due to lack of gametime post-AFCON is winger Mohau Nkota.

Nkota was highly rated during the qualifiers and even during AFCON, starting ahead of the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi, but he has fallen down the pecking order at his club Al-Ettifaq since January.

The 21-year-old has been in and out of the team this year and also failed to score in 2026, something that has cost him his place in the national team.

Elias Mokwana

The winger also missed out on the World Cup squad despite enjoying playing time at Saudi club Al-Hazem.

He has played Al-Hezem’s last 10 games, starting eight, but his omission could be down to a low output in front of goal as he has scored only once and provided three assists in 26 games across the season.