Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a preliminary squad to face Zambia in an international friendly.
The preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is taking shape, with the first friendly coming up against Chipolopolo on November 14, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
BAFANA BAFANA COACH HUGO BROOS SELECTS PRELIMINARY SQUAD TO FACE ZAMBIA
Broos has kept things competitive, mixing regular starters with form players. Masindi Nemtajela, who’s broken into the Orlando Pirates line-up after a tough start to the season, earns his first national call-up. His rise has been quick, his form too sharp to ignore.
There’s also a recall for Patrick Maswanganyi, another Pirates midfielder back in Broos’s plans after a spell on the sidelines, while Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa returns hoping to finally crack the final 23.
The Bafana Bafana goalkeeping department remains familiar, Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Darren Johnson, Renaldo Leaner, and Sipho Chaine, while the defence blends experience and energy with names like Siyabonga Ngezana, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and newcomer Khulumani Ndamane.
In midfield, Broos has trusted his core of Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, and Thalente Mbatha. Up front, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Evidence Makgopa, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane headline a strong attacking unit, supported by exciting youngsters Mduduzi Shabalala, Devin Titus, and Puso Dithejane.
FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Darren Johnson, Renaldo Leaner, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Keegan Allan, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Fezile Gcaba, Vuyo Letlapa, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Malibongwe Khoza, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Ime Okon
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Masindi Nemtajela, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Siphesihle Mkhize, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke le Roux
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Ashley Cupido, Mohau Nkota, Keletso Makgalwa, Mihlali Mayambela, Devin Titus, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule, Mduduzi Shabalala, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Puso Dithejane.
Bafana Bafana’s opponents, Zambia, also qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco this December, where they’ll line up in Group A alongside the hosts, Mali, and Comoros. In the qualifiers, they finished top of Group G ahead of Ivory Coast, showing real progress under Avram Grant, the vastly experienced former Chelsea boss. However, their 2026 World Cup qualifiers were not a success. They ended fourth behind Morocco, Niger, and Tanzania. Chipolopolo’s star trio of Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, and Lameck Banda will test South Africa’s defence.
Also read: Top 5: Bafana Bafana’s most-capped players of all time
