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Keletso Makgalwa, Sekhukhune United, August 2025Backpagepix
Michael Madyira

Keletso Makgalwa and in-form Orlando Pirates winger named in Bafana Bafana's provisional squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Zimbabwe find venue for crucial match

South Africa are three points on top of Group C ahead of second-placed Benin and Nigeria who have six points fewer than them. That makes winning their remaining two matches crucial in the bid to qualify for the World Cup, especially with the Teboho Mokoena case being a potential major drawback.

  • Who makes Broos' squad

    Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has released his 45-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda on September 10 and 14, respectively.

    Familiar faces appear in the Belgian's squad and Sphephele Sithoe returns to the national team after recovering from a long-term injury.  

    TS Galaxy winger Puso Dithejane, AmaZulu centre-back Keagan Allan, Keanu Cupido, Keletso Makgalwa and Orlando Pirates' in-form winger Tshepang Moremi have also been included.

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  • Where will Bafana play Zimbabwe and Rwanda?

    Bafana will face Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium with the Warriors being the home side.  

    Zimbabwe's stadiums do not meet FIFA standards, forcing them to host their opponents outside their borders.

    The match against Rwanda will be played at Mbombela Stadium and tickets are already on sale. 

  • Sipho Mbule, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Crucial Bafana matches

    The upcoming international matches are crucial for Bafana and will decide if they will go to the World Cup.

    With FIFA investigating the alleged illegal fielding of Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March, South Africa are out to collect maximum points so that they will not be affected in the event the world football governing body docks them points.

    Also, with the Zimbabwe match played in Durban instead of outside South Africa, Bafana will effectively enjoy a biased home crowd, something that should push them.  

  • Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    What next?

    Broos is expected to trim his squad to the final 23 men in the next few weeks as he seeks to come up with his best possible selection for the two important games.