The Belgian tactician has named his preliminary squad ahead of the friendly games against Panama later in March. The games have been lined up as part of Bafana's preparations for the global football bonanza in the middle of this year. Already, the coach's preliminary squad has been analysed, and questions have arisen on who should be in and who does not deserve a place in it.
The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach had been going through what appeared to be a difficult spell in Algeria. His time at the capital city club ends less than 24 hours after he guided them to a 2-0 league victory over Paradou AC that put them five points clear at the top of the Algerian Ligue 1 with several games in hand. The sudden exit adds another twist to what had already been a turbulent period for the tactician.
The veteran midfielder remains one player the South Africa national football team could need at the global football tournament if he rediscovers his authority in the middle of the park. Currently used sparingly by Masandawana, he has yet to reach the top form that made him a dominant force in midfield. That has created anticipation over whether he can rise again and reclaim the midfield-king status he once enjoyed.
The Masandawana defender has insisted that his omission from the Bafana squad in their past few camps is not a concern for him as he focuses on helping his club achieve its targets. The defender has developed into one of the most reliable figures in Miguel Cardoso’s set-up this season, battling back from an injury-hit spell to re-establish himself at the core of Sundowns’ defensive unit.
The shot-stopper has been in fine form for the Glamour Boys this season, ensuring the likes of Bruce Bvuma and Fiacre Ntwari don't get a chance. However, he suffered a setback a couple of weeks ago that has seen him miss two Premier Soccer League matches in a row. It was a blow for him as an individual, considering the personal ambitions set.
The football lovers in the country are looking forward to the global competition that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament is scheduled to start on Thursday, June 11, and run until Sunday, July 19, where 48 teams around the globe are set to feature. Mzansi are among the nine nations that got a direct ticket after topping their respective qualifying groups.
Players from Masandawana dominated the South Africa national football team squad at the 2023 AFCON tournament, forming the backbone of coach Hugo Broos’ side. However, the most recent national team selections have seen stars from Orlando Pirates making up the majority of the squad. Still, the Brazilians’ players are gradually forcing their way back into the national team fold as they continue to impress at the club level.
The Bafana Bafana legend spent five seasons in the English Premier League but never realised his dream of turning out for one of the league’s heavyweights. A move to a so-called big club never materialised during his time in England despite an opportunity presenting itself. That missed chance hurt his chances of forcing his way into the South Africa squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held on home soil.
The Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers icon has sparked debate by suggesting that Mzansi footballers are held back by a lack of ambition to ply their trade in the world's biggest leagues. The midfield maestro, who enjoyed a glittering 20-year career across Germany, Turkey, France, and England, suggested that the talent in the PSL often stays stagnant because players are unwilling to leave the comfort of their surroundings.
The Red and Blues announced the departure of their Cypriot manager, Elias Charalambous, who leaves after a highly successful stint at the Romanian giants that coincided with the arrival of the former Kaizer Chiefs defender. But now, with the current champions finishing seventh on the Superliga table and dropping into the relegation round of the split table and Ngezana struggling to recover from injury, the 28-year-old faces an uncertain future.
In what could infuriate the Amakhosi fan base again, the national team head coach has not named a single player from the club. However, the Sea Robbers enjoy a high representation, followed by their close Premier Soccer League rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns. Thembinkosi Lorch, who has enjoyed an impressive run, has not been called up again.
Over the years, some high-profile strikers have come out of Mzansi, but recently, the upcoming ones have struggled to reach the standards set by their predecessors. As Hugo Broos looks forward to naming his World Cup squad, he should be scratching his head on whether the available centre-forwards will deliver. Before then, though, a retired striker has shared lessons for the current crop.
The South African has been feeling the heat in Algeria, but he managed to inspire his side to victory on Saturday. However, he remains cautious and bent on keeping his players in line as his future remains uncertain at his club.
The veteran midfielder has been out of the South Africa national football team for over a year. His experience was missed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and could still be valuable as the team looks ahead to the global football tournament. However, he is yet to hit top form at Masandawana, with coach Miguel Cardoso carefully managing his minutes.
After a difficult spell, the former Stellenbosch FC star has been impressive in the second half of the season. With the global football competition approaching, the 24-year-old's name is now in the mix, and a Cameroon legend who graced the quadrennial tournament believes the midfielder's current form aligns perfectly with what the Belgian coach is looking for.
SAFA has been plunged into a fresh crisis after its first NEC meeting of the year erupted into physical violence. What was intended to be a high-level administrative gathering at SAFA House on Saturday quickly deteriorated as officials traded blows, overshadowing crucial discussions regarding the future of the national game.
The 23-year-old secured a move from Stellenbosch FC to Europe in September 2024 and has since established himself as a key member of his team. His impressive performances have now earned him a new contract, extending his stay at the club where he also shares the dressing room with a former Kaizer Chiefs captain.
The 48-year-old has already had two coaching stints in Europe, although as a backroom staff member. He also built his coaching reputation through spells in the Premier Soccer League and is now in his first role as a national team head coach with Kenya.
The South Africa national football team coach has been encouraging players to pursue careers in Europe to sharpen their game at a higher level. However, he has overlooked a Denmark-based player who has been in outstanding form this season. The coach insists the in-form star simply does not fit into his plans despite his performances abroad.
The former Manchester United strikers' tactician has been doing quite well in his coaching career after hanging up his boots. The 48-year-old has been linked with the national team to take over from coach Hugo Broos after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The 48-year-old is currently the head coach of the Kenya national team and remains strongly linked with several clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs. He was also touted as a possible successor to Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates before the Buccaneers settled for Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The debate over who is the greatest player of all time usually begins and ends with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Fulham striker Raul Jimenez believes there is one specific department where he stands head and shoulders above the legendary duo. The Mexico international has established himself as one of the most reliable figures in world football from the penalty spot, and he isn’t afraid to let the world know about his clinical edge when the pressure is at its highest, also ranking himself above Harry Kane.
The former Amakhosi centre-back is in a race against time to recover from a knee injury and be fit for the global football tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Failure to recover fully would force South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos to rethink his defensive plans ahead of the global showpiece. It would mean searching for a replacement for the player he trusted during the 2025 AFCON finals.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) have officially pulled back the curtain on the new 2026/2027 home jersey by adidas. In a move that is sure to delight fans of a certain vintage, the new look for both Mzansi men's and women's national teams draws direct inspiration from the legendary 2010 World Cup kit.
Mexico
