By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named his final squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville next week.
The final 23-man squad announcement took place at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park on Thursday, 3 October 2024.
Broos welcomed his captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams back to the team, which saw Veli Mothwa lose his place following a string of costly errors.
Luke le Roux also made his return to the Bafana squad since their 2-1 win over Morocco in 2023 at the FNB Stadium.
In defence, Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane earned himself a first call-up after what has been a good season for him so far. Sesane replaces Siyabonga Ngezana, who is out due to a muscle injury.
Some of the notable absentees in Broos’ squad include Al Ahly star Percy Tau, who is said to have requested not to be called to the squad due to personal reasons.
Bafana Bafana, who are second in Group K on goal difference from leaders Uganda on four points, meet Congo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on October 11 (6pm) and in Brazzaville on October 15 (6pm SA time).
Bafana Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Rushwin Dortley. Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien, Thabiso Sesane, Grant Kekana
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Luke le Roux, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards: Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Elias Mokwana, Thapelo Morena, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng.