Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his final 23-member squad for the international friendly matches. They will play against Eswatini and Côte d’Ivoire this month.

Broos’ charges host Eswatini on 13 October 2023 at 18:00. They will then travel to West Africa to face next year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations hosts Côte d’Ivoire on 17 October 2023.

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Broos says he continues to finetune his squad, the two matches this month will help him get even closer to the kind of team he has in mind for next year’s AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

“We have again three injured players for the moment, players who played in the previous games. It’s a pity, but I think for 80-85% that the team is made (for AFCON),” Broos said on Thursday after announcing the squad.

“There can be changes, certainly there can be changes, but I’m very happy that we are already so far. With those two games now, Eswatini and Côte d’Ivoire, I can really make the choices next month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.”

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD ANNOUNCED BY HUGO BROOS 

GOALKEEPERS: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu FC], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United]

DEFENDERS: Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Paseka Mako [Orlando Pirates] Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns]

MIDFIELDERS: Njabulo Blom [Sr Louis FC], Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sphephelo Sithole [C.D Tondela], Sibongiseni Mthethwa [Kaizer Chiefs]

FORWARDS: Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebo Mothiba [Strasbourg FC], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns].

By Khotso Ramalatswa