Bafana bank on fresh blood with Hugo Broos set to expand squad pool
Mbekezeli Mbokazi could earn a call-up to Bafana Bafana on Thursday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Bafana Bafana have been on an upward trajectory recently, which is why expectations will be high for the team to win both of their international friendlies in June.
Bafana will face Lesotho and Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, knowing that victories in both matches will secure their place at the finals in North America. To ensure they leave no stone unturned in their preparations and expand their squad, Bafana have scheduled two friendlies on home soil.
Hugo Broos' side will host Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium next week Friday (kick-off 7.30pm), before facing Mozambique four days later at Loftus Versfeld.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces his preliminary squad for the International Friendly matches to be played at home in June 2025.#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/xklKCKNZAM — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 22, 2025
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Broos is set to announce his 23-man final squad on Thursday afternoon, despite omitting Mamelodi Sundowns players due to their congested schedule. Sundowns will face Pyramids in their must-win CAF Champions League final second leg at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 7pm) — the same day Bafana players are due to report for camp.
Thirteen days later, the Brazilians will represent South Africa and the continent at the Fifa Club World Cup, which runs until July 13 in the US.
The absence of Sundowns players has opened the door for new talent to be integrated into the squad and impress Broos ahead of the qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Moracco in December.
While new faces are expected, Broos has retained the core of his regulars in the 41-man preliminary squad he announced last week.
🎙 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 : Rayaan Jacobs
'We want to finish the right way, with the right attitude - with the right mentality, and we urge all the supporters to come through and support us for this final home game.'
🆚 @Magesi_FC
🗓️ 28 May 2025
⌛… pic.twitter.com/DYReS2bVkd — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 27, 2025
Orlando Pirates, having once again finished second in the Betway Premiership, are likely to have strong representation. Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng are all expected to retain their places in the national team.
Youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi could also earn his first senior call-up after a stellar breakthrough season at Pirates. The tough-tackling midfielder was so integral to his club that they opted not to release him for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — a tournament Amajita went on to win against Morocco.
His composure on and off the ball has drawn widespread praise, and many believe he deserves at least a nomination for Young Player of the Season. Mbokazi's teammate, Mohau Nkota, could also make his international debut after impressing during Pirates' CAF Champions League campaign.
Catch a Glimpse of the Nedbank Cup Trophy at FNB Stadium
The excitement continues for Kaizer Chiefs supporters as the team prepares to take on Polokwane City in the final match of the Betway Premiership season on Saturday, 24 May (kick-off at 15:00).
In the absence of a trophy… pic.twitter.com/5EZpXNIawW — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 23, 2025
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