Bafana Bafana will resume their 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a home match against Lesotho on Friday evening.
South Africa host Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane from 18:00 and need to win the match to stay in touch with the rest of their Group C rivals as they are level on seven points with Rwanda and Benin while Lesotho have five.
To win the match, coach Hugo Broos will need to select a strong squad and from those in camp, he will not be short of options.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
The Bafana Bafana captain recovered from an injury just in time for the international matches and will keep his place in goal.
Right-back: Khuliso Mudau
The Mamelodi Sundowns right-back is among Broos’ most trusted men and he will continue at right-back as he offers defensive cover and attacking threat.
Left-back: Fawaaz Basaiden
The Stellenbosch left-back played in the final AFCON 2025 qualifier against South Sudan and with Aubrey Modiba missing, he will likely slot in at left-back as he also offers great attacking threat.
Central defence: Siyabonga Ngezana
The Romania-based defender returns after missing the last phase of AFCON 2025 qualifiers through injury and will slot in straight at centre-back.
Central defence: Grant Kekana
With Rushiwn Dortley out, Broos will have to play two right-footed defenders and with experience needed, the 32-year-old Sundowns ace is a reliable option who brings calmness and security.
Central midfield: Teboho Mokoena
Another of Broos’ ‘undroppables’ the Sundowns midfielder offers great cover to the defence and is a threat from long range shots as well as on freekicks.
Central midfield: Thalente Mbatha
The Pirates man has been coming of age and done well since Sphephelo Sithole was injured and also weighs in with goals as was witnessed in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Attacking midfield: Jayden Adams
Sundowns midfielder has earned a recall after he was dropped in November for disciplinary reasons but since his arrival at Chloorkop, he has elevated the Brazilians’ game, proving to be a creative force and could help unlock a tight defence, although it is debatable if Broos will trust him to start.
Right wing: Elias Mokwana
The Esperance forward has been showing his qualities in recent matches and his ability to beat his markers will be key as well as helping Bafana Bafana play in tight spaces.
Left wing: Lyle Foster
Blessed with pace and with great hold-up play, the Burnley forward has helped create chances before while also taking them and he will be tasked with that again.
Centre-forward: Iqraam Rayners
The Sundowns striker is good at running the channels as well as offering presence in the box. Rayners like to play on the shoulders of the last defender but will require good service to be effective.
