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Broos, Mbule, Mbokazi and Foster GFX GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Bafana Bafana: Hugo Broos counts on EPL & PSL stars to shine against Lesotho as much is expected from Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule & Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Bafana Bafana have two games standing between them and qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and Hugo Broos is determined to see through his team. But first, Lesotho await.

South Africa take on Lesotho this Friday at the Toyota Stadium in what is shaping up to be one of their most important fixtures in the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stakes couldn't be higher. While the task ahead is enormous, there's a quiet yet growing confidence across the country. Bafana Bafana have put themselves in a promising position, but as every football fan knows, there are no guarantees in this game. It’s not over until the final whistle blows.

In this piece, GOAL takes a closer look at South Africa’s chances, starting with this vital qualifier against Lesotho, and looking ahead to a high-stakes clash with Nigeria next week.

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  • Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    The road to qualification: six points from glory

    Bafana are tantalisingly close to booking their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Just six points separate them from sealing their spot, a scenario that feels refreshingly different from past qualification campaigns. Traditionally, South African fans have had to rely on calculators and permutations, hoping other results would go their way. But this time, the math is simple - and favourable. With 13 points already in the bag, Bafana top the group, well ahead of the chasing pack sitting on eight. It's a position of strength they've rarely found themselves in, and now it's all about holding that lead.

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  • Sipho Mbule and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Time for the Master Chef to cook

    With creative talismen Themba Zwane and Patrick Maswanganyi sidelined, the spotlight now shifts to Sipho Mbule. Coach Broos has handed the keys to the No.10 role to the talented midfielder, viewing him as the long-term successor to Zwane - who Broos has warned his club about - and Maswanganyi. The moment has arrived for Mbule to step up, unlock his full potential, and serve up the magic when it matters most. With Nigeria looming next week, the pressure is on - but so is the opportunity. This is Mbule’s chance to cook on the biggest stage.

  • Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Broos backing his men despite injury setbacks

    It’s been one of the toughest selection periods for coach Broos since taking the reins. A string of injuries has robbed him of several key players, including Zwane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deano Van Rooyen, Maswanganyi, and Grant Kekana. On top of that, Mothobi Mvala and Khuliso Mudau are lacking match fitness, while Fawaaz Basadien and Jayden Adams are struggling for form. Yet, in typical Broos fashion, the Belgian tactician remains unshaken. He trusts the squad he's assembled and believes they have what it takes to get the job done - starting with Lesotho. And yes, Broos has every right to be confident, as we look at who he is most likely to lean towards.

  • Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Remaining fixtures

    05 September 2025: Lesotho vs South Africa

    09 September 2025: South Africa vs Nigeria

    08 October 2025: Zimbabwe vs South Africa

    11 October 2025: South Africa vs Rwanda 

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, South AfricaBackpage

    Squad depth offers hope

    Despite the injury woes, Bafana’s 23-man squad still looks formidable. While missing experienced defenders like Sibisi, Kekana, and Mvala - as well as Rushwin Dortley - Broos has reason to be optimistic. The inclusion of fresh talent, including Orlando Pirates prodigy Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Khulumani Ndamane, adds energy and hunger to the squad. The challenge now lies in finding the right balance, especially in defence. But there’s a growing sense that however Broos chooses to line up, this team is building something special - and may just be destined for World Cup glory.

  • Hugo Broos, Deano van Rooyen, Khulumani Ndamane, Simphiwe Selepe & Tshepang Moremi of Bafana Bafana 16-9GOAL GFX

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