Two key Bafana players out the World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana have been dealt a major blow after two players were withdrawn from the squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.

Hugo Broos’ men face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final qualifiers, needing two big wins to secure qualification for next year’s tournament.

On Monday, it was revealed that Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng was withdrawn from the squad after he suffered an injury this past weekend against Siwelele. Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala replaced the 20-year-old playmaker.

Bafana bring in two new players

“First of all, some news about the selection. So, we had to replace Rele Mofokeng because of the injury he got on Saturday and replaced him with [Mduduzi] Shabalala,” Broos told the media.

“Secondly, there are two players who did not arrive because they played yesterday, that was [Lyle] Foster and Sithole. So, they will arrive tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon we will be complete to do this training,” he said as per SABC Sport.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Iqraam Rayners was also withdrawn from the squad, with Evidence Makgopa being his replacement. With two Bafana Bafana players injured, it opens doors for Makgopa and Shabalala to show Broos what they can offer.

‘Ngwana Sesi’ has been part of the Bafana squad since 2023 but in recent months, he has found it hard to make the squad. With Rayners out of the qualifiers, Makgopa will want to make an impact from the bench.

Will more players be added to the Bafana squad?

With more players pulling out in the next few days, expect several changes to Hugo Broos’ squad. On Friday, Zimbabwe awaits, and that match could be a brutal encounter given how important the fixture is not just for South Africa.