Lyle Foster’s return to the South Africa squad is a significant boost as Bafana Bafana prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Following their impressive podium finish at the recent TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, head coach Hugo Broos has officially announced a 23-man squad for the crucial matches.
South Africa will face the high-flying Super Eagles in Uyo on Friday, 7 June, before returning home to play against neighbors Zimbabwe on Tuesday, 11 June, aiming to make a return to the global stage, having last appeared as hosts in 2010.
Foster, who missed the trip to Cote d’Ivoire, adds firepower to an already fierce frontline led by Al Ahly talisman Percy Tau. Tau recently secured his third TotalEnergies CAF Champions League gold medal after the Egyptian giants won their 12th title.
The squad is heavily composed of experienced Mamelodi Sundowns players who were instrumental in Bafana Bafana’s success at the AFCON earlier this year. This includes the in-form Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, and Aubrey Modiba.
Friday’s clash against the Super Eagles is anticipated to be a grudge match, as the South Africans look to avenge their elimination by Nigeria at the TotalEnergies AFCON in Bouake earlier this year. The subsequent match against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein will be the first time the 1996 African champions play at the FIFA World Cup venue since their memorable 2-1 victory over France 14 years ago.
With the return of Lyle Foster and a squad filled with in-form players, South Africa is well-prepared to face their upcoming challenges. The team hopes to continue their strong form and secure their place in the next World Cup, starting with a crucial match against Nigeria followed by a historic game against Zimbabwe.
The Bafana Bafana 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers features a strong mix of talent and experience.
Goalkeepers Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), and Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu) provide a solid last line of defense.
The defensive unit includes Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), and Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns).
The midfield is strengthened by Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal).
The attacking options are equally formidable, featuring Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC), Elias Mokwana (Sekhukhune United), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), and Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates).
