sportskeeda
Bafana Bafana’s head coach Hugo Broos has brought back Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau to the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda this month.
Mudau was absent during the September qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria due to club obligations, but those issues have now been resolved. After returning to action with Sundowns, the defender is ready to rejoin the Bafana setup.
Key Changes in the Bafana Bafana Squad
Broos has also welcomed back Siphephelo Sithole, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabang Matuludi, Malibongwe Khoza, and Thapelo Moreni, who were excluded from the last international camp.
Notably absent is Siyabonga Ngezana, who is sidelined after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers. Although his suspension would have ruled him out of the Zimbabwe match, Broos opted to leave him off the squad entirely.
Bafana Bafana Faces Pressure After FIFA Points Deduction
South Africa enters these matches under substantial pressure following FIFA’s decision to deduct three points due to the ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena playing in the match against Lesotho in March. This ruling awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory, causing Bafana to drop from the top of Group C.
As a result, Benin has taken the lead on goal difference, although both teams are level on 14 points.
Qualification Remains Possible
To keep their World Cup hopes alive, Bafana Bafana must secure maximum points against Zimbabwe (at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October) and Rwanda (at Mbombela Stadium) four days later.
In the CAF World Cup qualifiers, only the group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The four best runners-up will have another chance through a playoff round.
