Mamelodi Sundowns superstar Iqraam Rayners has withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad for medical reasons, with Orlando Pirates’ Evidence Makgopa joining the camp ahead of the final two FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Hugo Broos’ men are preparing for their final two fixtures in the quest to play on the world stage, starting with Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (18:00), followed by Rwanda in Mbombela next Tuesday (18:00).
Rayners’ withdrawal is a major setback for South Africa. The Mitchells Plain-born attacker has been one of the standout performers in the Betway Premiership this season, sitting as joint-top scorer alongside Sekhukhune United’s Bradley Grobler with six goals in ten matches.
ORLANDO PIRATES STAR EVIDENCE MAKGOPA JOINS BAFANA BAFANA
At international level, Rayners has also delivered. Since making his debut in March 2024, he’s scored four goals in ten appearances for Bafana, including one against Zimbabwe in the 3-1 win at the Free State Stadium earlier this year.
His replacement, Makgopa, brings a different profile to Broos’ attack. While the 25-year-old has only managed one goal in eleven appearances for Pirates this season, his work rate and physicality have stood out. He’s also contributed three assists.
PROVEN INTERNATIONAL
Makgopa’s record in national colours includes four goals in eighteen caps, highlighted by strikes against Ethiopia during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and a memorable goal against Morocco at AFCON 2024 in the round of 16.
Alongside Makgopa, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will have Burnley striker Lyle Foster as another centre-forward option, who has a goal and an assist in seven games for the Clarets in the Premier League.