Broos names preliminary Bafana squad for Zambia friendly

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced the preliminary squad that will face Zambia in an international friendly at home next month.

The 43-member squad, which Broos is expected to trim to 23 players early next month before the match on November 15 at a venue yet to be confirmed by SAFA, is made up largely of his tried and tested players.

It was important for Broos to retain the bulk of his troops, as he cannot afford to chop and change his squad. The friendly will serve as preparation for the AFCON tournament, which will be held in Morocco later this year.

With this set to be the last international window before Bafana assemble for camp on December 8 – where they will train at the University of Pretoria High-Performance Centre before departing for Morocco five days ahead of their opening match against Angola on December 22 – the players will need to impress Broos.

The silver-haired Belgian, who has also guided Bafana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, has emphasised that he will largely select players who have been part of the squad in recent months, although he is not closing the door on new players who impress at their respective clubs.

With players such as Masindi Nemtajela, Phuso Dithejane, and Keletso Makgalwa included in the current preliminary squad to face Chipolopolo, they could very well make the final team if they continue to perform well for their clubs.

From there, they could be on the plane to Morocco later this year. While Broos wants to work with players he knows and trusts, he is aware that factors such as form and injuries can affect any player.

Bafana Bafana prelimanary squad

v Zambia on November 15

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Renaldo Leaner, Darren Johnson

Defenders: Keegan Allan, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Fezile Gcaba, Vuyo Letlapa, Khulumani Ndumane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Malibongwe Khoza, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Ime Okon, Puso Dithejane

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Masindi Nemtajela, Ndamulelo Maphangele, Siphesihle Mkhize, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke Le Roux, Sipho Mbule, Mduduzi Shabalala, Kamogelo Sebelebele

Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Ashley Cupido, Mohau Nkota, Keletso Makgalwa, Mihlali Mayambela, Devin Titus, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Bongokuhle Hlongwane