HUGO Broos included six players in his final 26-man Bafana Bafana squad bound for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Image: Mihlali Baleka
From England to Norway and the United States, several South Africans have quietly built reputations in competitive leagues across the globe — and dersevedly they form the backbone of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ World Cup plans.
Leading that list is Burnley striker Lyle Foster, whose importance to Bafana continues to grow with every international window.
The Johannesburg-born forward has fought his way back into the plans of Broos over the last two years and now is the first choice in the number nine role.
The powerful forward remains South Africa’s biggest attacking weapon overseas, bringing Premier League intensity and experience to Broos’ evolving side.
In defence, young centre-back Olwethu Makhanya has continued his development in the United States with Philadelphia Union, becoming one of the highest performing figures in his league.
Norway-based defender Samukelo Kabini is another player firmly in Broos’ thinking after impressive displays for Molde FK, with the Belgian mentor eager to strengthen Bafana’s physical presence at the back.
In the heart of midfield, Sphephelo Sithole will have to shake off the blues of his side S.C Tondela getting relegated and aid the South African course.
On the wings, Thapelo Maseko’s move to Cyprus has provided valuable European exposure as the speedy attacker continues his return from injury setbacks that interrupted his momentum following the Africa Cup of Nations.
There is also growing excitement with the introduction of Germany-based Ime Okon into the Bafana fold to ease the uncertainty or loss of Siyabonga Ngezana at a crucial stage via injury and form.
For years, South Africa struggled to maintain a strong overseas core compared to Africa’s traditional heavyweights. But under Broos, that narrative has slowly started changing.
As Bafana gears for Mexico, Korea Republic and Czechia, the foreign-based contingent may yet provide the strongest indication that Bafana Bafana are finally ready to compete beyond the group stages on football’s grandest stage.
Bafana Bafana final squad:
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine
Defenders:
Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Midfielders:
Tebogo Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Siphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams,
Forwards:
Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko.