Chiefs star in but Pirates dominate Bafana squad for FIFA WC qualifiers vs Lesotho & Nigeria

Coach Hugo Broos has confirmed his 23-man Bafana Bafana squad that will play Lesotho and Nigeria in the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Orlando Pirates are the biggest beneficiaries, having contributed seven players to the national team. Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Relebohile Mofokeng have been included in the team.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have Ronwen Williams, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Iqraam Rayners in the squad.

However, the biggest news, well, on the part of Kaizer Chiefs, is the inclusion of Mduduzi Shabalala. Amakhosi have been missing out in the recent squads, and the inclusion means they are doing something right.

Bafana Bafana play Lesotho on Friday, September 5, before facing Nigeria four days later. Both matches will be staged at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Bafana Bafana squad against Lesotho and Nigeria

Goalkeepers:  Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC]

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie [Siwelele FC], Zuko Mdunyelwa [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Orlando Pirates], Khulumani Ndamane [TS Galaxy], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ime Okon [Hannover 96], Samukelo Kabini [Molde FK], Siyabonga Ngezana [FCSB].

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Luke Le Roux [Portsmouth FC].

Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele [Orlando Pirates], Oswin Appollis [Orlando Pirates], Patrick Maswanganyi [Orlando Pirates], Iqraam Rayners [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mduduzi Shabalala [Kaizer Chiefs], Mohau Nkota [Al-Ettifaq], Relebohile Mofokeng [Orlando Pirates].

South Africa lead Group C with 13 points while Nigeria have seven and Lesotho six respectively.