Siyabonga Ngezana has reportedly been left disappointed after allegedly being excluded from South Africa squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
The claim was made by Lucian Filip, caretaker coach of Romanian giants FCSB, who revealed that the defender had not been selected and was struggling to come to terms with the setback.
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Speaking ahead of FCSB’s match against Hermannstadt on Monday evening, Filip said the centre-back had learned he would not be travelling to the global showpiece in North America.
“No. Siyabonga Ngezana was not called up to the World Cup. He is disappointed, but that’s life, football doesn’t end here,” Filip said, according to Romanian outlet Antena AS.
“He has to respect his club, because of the club he was in the national team’s attention. I hope he will be present at the next Championship.”
Hugo Broos Yet to Confirm Squad Publicly
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has not publicly announced a provisional World Cup squad, despite FIFA allowing nations to submit preliminary lists of up to 55 players.
The deadline for provisional squad submissions passed on 14 May, meaning some players are already believed to know whether they remain in contention for the final squad.
If Filip’s comments are accurate, Ngezana, 28, appears to be among those overlooked.
Broos will confirm his final 26-man squad on Wednesday, 27 May.
Injury Struggles Hurt World Cup Chances
The reported omission follows a difficult campaign for the former Kaizer Chiefs defender.
For the first time since joining FCSB, Ngezana will end the season without silverware, while injuries severely disrupted his momentum.
He has managed only 16 league appearances this season after spending an extended period on the sidelines.
His injury troubles had already raised concerns over whether he would regain fitness in time to push for World Cup selection.
Although he returned to action recently – making a brief appearance in FCSB’s victory over Farul Constanța in April – it appears the comeback may have come too late to convince Broos.
Siyabonga Ngezana played 95 matches for Kaizer Chiefs in all competitions between 2017 and 2023.
He also has 14 Bafana Bafana caps to his name.
Bafana Bafana’s Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures (SA times)
- Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00
- Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00
- Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs Korea Republic, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00
