Bafana Bafana of South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled a strong preliminary squad ahead of next month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

South Africa will first face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, October 10, with a kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Four days later, on October 14, they will welcome Rwanda to Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, under the floodlights at 6:00 PM.

Victories in both matches would secure Bafana’s place at the World Cup, regardless of FIFA’s ongoing investigation into the eligibility of Teboho Mokoena, who featured against Lesotho in March despite being suspended.

Broos, who has repeatedly stated that this World Cup campaign will be his “last dance” as a coach, is determined to end his career on a high note by guiding South Africa to the global showpiece.

The Belgian tactician retained the core of players who defeated Lesotho and held Nigeria to a draw in Bloemfontein earlier this month.

Among the headline recalls is Sphephelo Sithole, returning for the first time since South Africa’s third-place finish at the AFCON 2025 in the Ivory Coast.

Orlando Pirates’ rising star Tshepang Moremi has also earned his place after delivering a man-of-the-match performance in the MTN8 final, where he scored twice and provided an assist in a 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch.

One notable absentee is Nyiko Mobbie, a long-time Broos favourite, who has been ruled out after suffering a head injury in the clash against Lesotho.

Fortunately, Khuliso Mudau has returned to the fold following a contractual standoff with Mamelodi Sundowns, offering much-needed cover at right-back.

The final list of 23 players is expected to be released closer to the October fixtures, with competition for places heating up as South Africa dreams of a return to football’s biggest stage.