Hugo Broos selects the initial team for the qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe

A 36-man shortlist was announced by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos on Wednesday in advance of the team’s forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

On June 7, Bafana will play the Super Eagles of Nigeria at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Four days later, Bafana will welcome Zimbabwe, their neighbors, at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

This will be a part of their Group C campaign. Rwanda is leading the competition to qualify for the next World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As of right now, Broos charges are one point behind The Wasps, one point ahead of Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, and two points clear of Benin, who is now in last position in the standings.

In front of the crucial matches that take place next month, the Belgian strategist will reduce his roster to 23 men.

Most notably, Orlando Pirates rookie Relebohile Mofokeng has also attracted the attention of the national technical team, and Burnley striker Lyle Foster may make a comeback after a layoff owing to mental illness.

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu)

The following players are the defense: Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Terrence Mashego, Grant Kekana (all Sundowns), Given Msimango (Chiefs), Thabiso Monyane, Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Tapelo Xoki (all Orlando Pirates).

Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Grant Margeman (SuperSport), and Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal) are midfielders.

Forwards: Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Iqraam Rayners, Devin Titus, and Oswin Appollis (both Stellenbosch), Mlondi Mbanjwa, Tshepang Moremi (both AmaZulu), Elias Mokwana (Sekhukhune United), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Pery Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), and Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus)