Mbule called to Bafana Bafana squad to replace injured Pirates team-mate

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has included Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule into his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, having initially dropped him from the final team.

Mbule had earned a rare call-up when Broos named his provisional squad but was dropped when the final 23-man team was unveiled last week.

However, following the injury to his team-mate Patrick Maswanganyi, Mbule has been the beneficiary as he was called up to camp on Monday, earning a return to the national team for the first time since 2021.

Mbule’s good form earns him Bafana call

Mbule last played for Bafana Bafana in a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in September 2021, when he came on as a late substitute.

He has been watching from the periphery since then but following his move to Pirates, where he is having a career revival, Broos has taken notice and handed him a call-up.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder will hope to grab his chance at a time when Broos has complained about disruptions to his plans due to the many injuries he has had to deal with heading into the fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria this month.

Why is Broos not happy ahead of key fixtures?

“One of the most difficult preparations since I started as a Bafana Bafana coach. Too many injuries. Today we released Tito [Maswanganyi] from camp. He’s been replaced by Sipho Mbule,” said Broos on Monday, regarding the change, which was occasioned by Maswangayi’s injury in Pirates’ 3-0 victory over Chippa United on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Broos has also called up Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane, who replaces Ime Okon, who also pulled out of the team due to injury.

South Africa will face Lesotho on Friday September 5 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein before hosting Nigeria four days later at the same venue.