Percy Tau and Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa return as Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos names preliminary squad for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho & Benin

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his 37-man provisional squad for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa are set to host Lesotho on March 17 before facing Benin away from home seven days later.

Qatar SC forward Pery Tau returns after missing out on the last three camps when he was struggling at Al Ahly.

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has been rewarded for his seven goals in 32 games across all competitions.

New faces also appear on Broos' list, including Mabasa's club teammate Deano van Rooyen, the TS Galaxy duo of Samukelo Kabini and Khulumani Ndamande, as well as Polokwane City's Ndamulelo Mphangule.

Bafana are seeking to return to the World Cup, where they last participated in 2010 as hosts.

They are currently second in Group C with seven points, the same as log leaders Rwanda, who enjoy a superior goal difference.

Broos' men would be hoping to emerge from the upcoming international period as group leaders, although it also depends on how Rwanda play.

Broos is expected to trim his squad to 23 men in the upcoming days before they get into camp to start preparing for Lesotho and Benin.

He would be hoping his team will cope without vice-captain Themba Zwane, who is injured, as well as Mothobi Mvala.