2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Hugo Broos calls up Kaizer Chiefs defender to replace injured Nyiko Mobbie ahead of Bafana Bafana's crunch tie against Nigeria

Nyiko Mobbie left the pitch concussed six minutes into Friday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Lesotho.

The Siwelele right-back was rushed to the hospital and had surgery on Saturday morning after "he sustained a fracture of the eye socket in three places,” according to Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi.

Zuko Mdunyelwa replaced Mobbie, but the South Africa coach has called up Thabiso Monyane for cover at right-back.

Stellenbosch defender Thabo Moloisane also left the field bandaged on the head, but he was expected to return to training on Saturday as Hugo Broos and his men switch attention to Nigeria.

"Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called up Thabiso Monyane to replace the injured Nyiko Mobbie, who was forced to exit the pitch barely five minutes into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on Friday night," SAFA said in a statement.

"Monyane will join the camp in Bloemfontein this weekend as the South African senior men’s national team now turns its attention to the second World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the same venue on Tuesday night."

"It's a pity that we have those injuries [Nyiko Mobbie] again," said Broos as per iDiski Times.
“So, Moloisane is not so bad, but Mobbie is out. So, we have to call someone else. And I will decide in the next hour [who] that will be.  
“And that’s maybe the only negative point of this game. But again, that can happen in the game. And like I said a few minutes ago, I saw a very motivated and aggressive team of Lesotho.
“And that’s also why we have those injuries. So, but again, I will see who we will call for the game of next Tuesday," added the Belgian. 

"But that doesn’t mean now that we are panicking. Again, we are in a very good situation, and we have to try to keep that.”

Monyane's exclusion from Broos' preliminary squad had already divided opinion, given the top form he was enjoying in Amakhosi colours.

The Bafana coach had named Mobbie, Thapelo Morena and Deano van Rooyen as the right-backs in his provisional selection.

But he has now settled for Monyane, who has been rewarded for his impressive performances.

Bafana now prepare to face Nigeria at Free State Stadium on Tuesday, and it is to be seen who Broos will start between Mdunyelwa and Monyane.