Hugo Broos during the Bafana Bafana Squad Announcement at SAFA House in Johannesburg. Image Credit: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
(The Post News) – Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has finalized a 23 player squad for the international friendly against Zambia on Saturday, 15 November at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
The announcement was made at SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 6 November Broos stressed that the Zambia match is a final rehearsal ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on 21 December.
He opted to keep the core of the squad that secured World Cup qualification, while giving a few new faces, notably Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa and Orlando Pirates’ Masindi Nemtajela, a chance to earn minutes before the continental tournament.
Bafana Bafana 23 squad:
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns; Ricardo Goss, Siwelele FC; Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates
Defenders
Thabang Matuludi, Polokwane City; Khuliso Mudau, Mamelodi Sundowns; Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns; Thabo Moloisane, Stellenbosch FC; Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates; Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates; Khulumani Ndamane, TS Galaxy; Samukelo Kabini, FK Molde (Norway)
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns; Bathusi Aubaas, Mamelodi Sundowns; Masindi Nemtajela, Orlando Pirates; Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates; Sphephelo Sithole, CD Tondela (Portugal)
Forwards
Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates; Tshepang Moremi, Orlando Pirates; Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates; Evidence Makgopa, Orlando Pirates; Keletso Makgalwa, Sekhukhune United; Mohau Nkota, Al-Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia); Lyle Foster, Burnley FC (England).
This game will allow Broos to assess his players’ form, fitness, and tactical understanding ahead of AFCON. The coach aims to finalize his strategies and player selections. The match will also provide an opportunity for Broos to evaluate the team’s performance under pressure and in a competitive environment.
The significance of this game extends beyond just the friendly itself. A strong performance against Zambia could boost the team’s morale and confidence heading into AFCON, while a poor showing could raise concerns and prompt Broos to make adjustments.
The Belgian coach added that he does not intend to experiment drastically at this stage, preferring continuity and team cohesion as Bafana prepare for AFCON Group B, where they will face Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola.
The friendly will be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 15 November. The match is expected to draw a strong local crowd and give fans a glimpse of the squad that will travel to Morocco in December.
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