Bafana will host Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 18 November 2023, and travel to East-Central Africa to face Rwanda on Tuesday, 21 November 2023. Broos is optimistic about launching a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

Striker Lyle Foster has been left out of the squad, with Broos attributing his exclusion to a medical issue.

“I spoke to the doctor of the club and to the coach, and they asked me to be discreet about it. Lyle is a good player and has progressed a lot in the last year,” he said.

“He did very well also in the English Premier League with Burnley and already scored three times this season. This is the kind of player you always want in your team, certainly when those important games are coming up. But it is what it is, and we cannot change it. We hope he will recover as soon as possible.”

The squad is set to commence their training camp at the University of Pretoria on Monday, 13 November and will travel to Durban on Friday, 17 November.

Following their match against Benin in the coastal city, the team will proceed to Rwanda and make their way back to South Africa on 22 November.

BAFANA BAFANA FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu FC), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)

DEFENDERS
Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United), Bradley Cross (Golden Arrows), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)

MIDFIELDERS
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)

FORWARDS
Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Al Ahly), Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Lebo Mothiba (RC Strasbourg), Bongokhule Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City).

She is now focusing their attention on the upcoming second international friendly match between the two teams, scheduled for Sunday, 24 September.

In the first match held in Cincinnati, the African champions endured a challenging 0-3 defeat. Sinoxolo Cesane made her debut appearance, entering the game in the 89th minute as a replacement for Kholosa Biyana.

Ellis is eager for her team to regroup and conclude their USA tour on a positive note, with the next match taking place at Soldier Field stadium in Chicago.

Prior to their departure to Chicago, the Banyana Banyana squad engaged in a recovery session.
Ellis has emphasized the importance of these two games in providing opportunities for various players as the team gears up for a demanding schedule ahead.

“It is a quick turnaround for game two but we will recover in time, I hope the fans saw what we were trying to do,” Ellis told Safa website.

“We also tried to give others an opportunity to test them and see what they can do and more players will get more game time in the second game.

“We did say that we must be organized defensively. The first 20 minutes is key and we were excellent. We have got to push, stay compact and concentrate in defence a little bit longer and when we get the chances we have to be a little bit more clinical in front of goals,” Ellis said.

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)

Dludlu, asserts that Africa is now generating a substantial number of players who are making a significant impact on the world football scene.

She conveyed these sentiments during an interview with CAFOnline while participating in a year-long coaching program in the United States.

“African football is closing the gap, with great players populating all over the world,” Dludlu said.
“We have shown our strength by moving past rounds of 16 in the Last World Cup (3 out of 4 countries) all of us won a game and scored goals.

“It shows we are getting there with the rankings as well. If we keep doing things the right way and invest in women’s football at youth levels as well, we will move even further.”

The current head coach of the South African Under-17 women’s national team was part of the historic feat of the South African national team at the World Cup.

“It was a dream come true for me, as I had never gone to a senior World Cup as a player. To see a group of players work hard and believe in each other to push boundaries was incredible. Moment of a life time to make such history with this calibre of team.

“More attention [needs to be] given to youth teams in terms of tournaments and workshops for coaching education.

“It would also do us good to have more professional leagues like Morocco. Where players and coaches make a good living from football. Lastly it would help bridge the gap between youth and senior team players.

Forward Lynn Williams scored two goals while forward Trinity Rodman contributed one goal, all in the first half of the match.

This game marked the final international match for the legendary midfielder Julie Ertz, who had a distinguished career with the United States Women National Team.

United States tried to get Ertz a goal on several set piece opportunities, but she narrowly missed a header in the 18th minute and Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart, made a diving save in the 21st minute.

Desiree Ellis’ charges had a few counterattack opportunities and came close to scoring, with Thembi Kgatlana having a chance in the 15th minute and a shot deflected by defender Naomi Girma in the 26th minute.

The breakthrough for the home side came in the 32nd minute when Lynn Williams scored from a corner kick.

And just a minute and 39 seconds later, Trinity Rodman added another goal in transition and Lindsey Horan assisted in both goals.

Ertz took her final bow in the 36th minute, leaving the field to a standing ovation from the Cincinnati crowd.

The 2019 World Cup winners made it 3-0 before halftime with another set piece goal. Sullivan took the corner, and a skillful heel flick from Lindsey Horan found Williams, who deflected the ball into the net with her mid-section.

Williams’ two goals marked her second career multi-goal game, and these were her second and third goals of the year 2023.

In the second half United States continued to threaten but they couldn’t add to their lead. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore made five substitutions to maintain their advantage.

United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had a strong performance, allowing only one shot on goal from South Africa, which she easily saved.

The match ended 3-0 in favour of the home side and the second match will take place on Sunday, 24 September at Soldier Field in Chicago for legendary forward Megan Rapinoe’s farewell match.

In July South Africa were ranked 63 and is now ranked 65.

Morocco has moved up two places to rank 13th globally and remains the leading African nation. Senegal, the reigning African champions, dropped two places to position 20 but still remains among the top 20 teams in the world.

Tunisia has moved up to position 29 in the world rankings. Mali and Cote d’Ivoire both moved up two places to rank 49th and 50th, respectively, breaking into the top 50 ranked sides.

Overall, CAF now has nine teams in the top 50 rankings, which is an improvement of two teams compared to the previous rankings.

Additionally, Guinea-Bissau made significant progress in the rankings, moving up six places to position 106.

It should be noted that Argentina is still the top the ranked team as they occupy number one ahead of France and Brazil.

15 Highest ranked African teams:
1 Morocco: 13
2 Senegal: 20
3 Tunisia: 29
4 Algeria: 34
5 Egypt: 35
6 Nigeria: 40
7 Cameroon: 41
8 Mali: 49
9 Ivory Coast: 50
10 Burkina Faso: 58
11 Ghana: 60
12 DR Congo: 64
13 South Africa: 65
14 Cape Verde: 71
15 Guinea: 81

This recognition marks his fifth appearance in the Team of the Matchday in the 2023 season, showcasing his consistent excellence on the field.

The former Maritzburg United player scored a total of eight goals in MLS play and 17 goals across all competitions during the 2023 season. This indicates his effectiveness in front of the goal.

His improved finishing abilities have caught the attention of the league, making him one of Major League Soccer’s most exciting attacking players this season.

In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Hlongwane is noted for his tireless work rate and willingness to help in defence. This well-rounded approach makes him a valuable asset to the team.

With 11 total goal contributions in MLS play, Hlongwane is leading the team in goals scored and is second in assists with three.

He has played over 2,000 minutes for Minnesota United this season, starting in 25 matches and registering an impressive 75 scoring attempts.

Hlongwane’s performance and development in the 2023 season appear to have made him a key player for Minnesota United, and his future in Major League Soccer looks promising.

The South African women’s national team will face the U.S. women’s national team in two friendly matches in Cincinnati on Friday, 21 September and in Chicago on Monday, 24 September.

Hildah Magaia did not travel due to medical reasons, Sibulele Holweni was ruled out due to an injury while Noko Matlou was unable to travel due to Visa challenges.

“The first day is always a difficult day, especially after the long travel, but I think we had a good night,” said Ellis.

“Everyone looks enthusiastic and excited to be together again, and to be playing again. At the start of the training session, the longer we went, the better we got in terms of moving the ball around.

“It is extremely hot, obviously not the weather we are used to but I think we have done really well today.

“We always knew that this game would come soon after the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup (in Australia and New Zealand) and the league has only been on the go for two weeks, so we went with players that have played regularly.

“And with withdrawal in certain positions due to injury, we had to fill those positions and with the players that have come in now, it’s an opportunity for them to raise their hands.

“We always say players who come in must step up so that we see whether we can take them on our journey or not.”

The Banyana Banyana squad will consist of 21 players for their matches against the USA. Sibulele Holweni won’t be able to make the trip due to an injury while Noko Matlou is unable to travel due to Visa challenges and has been replaced by Faith Nokuthula.

The team departed for the United States on September 17, 2023. The friendly matches against the US women’s national soccer team are scheduled for Thursday, 21 September in Cincinnati and Sunday, 24 September in Chicago.

Both teams recently participated in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they were knocked out in the Round of 16. South Africa lost to the Netherlands while USA were knocked out by Sweden.

Coach Desiree Ellis will use these matches to assess her squad ahead of upcoming qualifiers for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the Olympic Games.

The team flew out via Atlanta and is expected to land in the US on Monday. The matches will serve as an important opportunity for South Africa to prepare for future competitions and evaluate their team’s performance against a strong opponent like the United States.

South Africa were drawn in Group A with Malawi, Madagascar and Eswatini and tournament will be hosted in Gauteng from October 4-15.

“This is another opportunity for us to bring in some players into the system,” Ellis told Safa.com.
“We have a big year – we play against the USA this month, and then two weeks after the COSAFA Women’s Championship we are back in camp.

“We play the Olympic qualifiers in October and towards the end of November, we have the WAFCON qualifiers, so it is a busy period.

“It is another opportunity for us to test players. It is another opportunity for us to make the core group bigger because we have used it (COSAFA Women’s Championship) over the years to test players.”

Banyana Banyana made history when they reached the round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in New Zealand and Australia.

In Group B, defending champions Zambia face Mozambique, Angola and Comoros, while Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho will battle it out in Group C.

Banyana Banyana will travel to the USA on Sunday 17 September 2023 for two friendly internationals.

2023 COSAFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
GROUP A
South Africa
Malawi
Madagascar
Eswatini

GROUP B
Zambia
Mozambique
Angola
Comoros

GROUP C
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Lesotho