South African national team head coach, Hugo Broos, has announced a preliminary squad comprising of 36 players in preparation for upcoming international friendly matches against Eswatini and Cote d’Ivoire next month.
On October 13, 2023, Bafana Bafana will play host to Eswatini, with the kick off scheduled for 18:00.
The team will later to West Africa to face Cote d’Ivoire, the host nation for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, on October 17.
These matches are integral to Broos’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in January and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November. The venue for the international friendly encounter with Eswatini will be confirmed in the coming days.
The team will convene at their training camp in Johannesburg on October 8, 2023. Following the clash with Eswatini on October 13, Broos and his team will embark on a direct flight from Johannesburg to Abidjan the next day to face Côte d’Ivoire.
They are set to return to South Africa on October 18. In the days ahead, Broos will reduce the preliminary squad to a final roster of 23 players for the two matches.
PRELIMINARY SQUAD:
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (Amazulu), Ricardo Goss (Supersport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders
Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Maseko, Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Innocent Maela, Thapelo Xoki (All Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu, Ime Okon (Both Supersport United)
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubass (Both Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Blom (St. Louis City, MLS), Grant Margeman (Supersport United), Sphephelo Sithole (C.D Tondela), Mlungisi Mbunjana (TS Galaxy), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs)
Forwards
Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Mdantsane (Both Kaizer Chiefs), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Percy Tau (Al Ahly), Zakhele Lepasa, Monnapule Saleng (Both Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg FC), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)