In-form Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane excluded as Orlando Pirates hotshot headlines Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his 48-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho.

South Africa are set to take on Lesotho on September 1 at Free State Stadium, and they will be at the same ground to host the Super Eagles seven days later.

Familiar faces feature in Broos' squad as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players dominate the coach's selection, with each club providing 12 players. 

There was no place for Kaizer Chiefs right-back Thabiso Monyane who is in top form as Broos stuck to Nyiko Mobbie and the Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena who have not been playing.

In-form Pirates winger Kamegelo Sebelebele has been rewarded with a call-up.

Sekhukhune United midfielder Keletso Makgalwa who has four assists in five matches this season after also creating 11 goals last term has not been selected.

Surprisingly, Themba Zwane was included despite being expected to be out for two months with a thigh injury. 

The next days will see the selected players upping their game to be included in the final selection.

Bafana will be out to maintain pole position and are five points clear on top of Group C with Lesotho on position five with six points, while Nigeria are fourth with seven points.