By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa’s football national team head coach Hugo Broos has named a 36-man preliminary squad for international friendlies against Namibia and DR Congo next month.
The matches are crucial for the national team as they gear up for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February in 2024.
Bafana Bafana will host Namibia on Saturday, 9 September, and three days later (Tuesday, 12 September) take on DR Congo.
Broos will announce the final list of 23 players next week.
The squad sees the inclusion of three Kaizer Chiefs players in Pule Mmodi, Sfiso Hlanti and Given Msimango. Mamelodi Sundowns are the most represented club with seven players. Current Nedbank Champions Orlando Pirates also have six players on the team.
The squad also sees the return of striker Lebo Mothiba who recently returned from a long-term injury. TS Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbanjana has also been rewarded with a call-up following good form domestically.
Sipho Chaine, Keegan Allan, Ime Okon, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Grant Margeman are some of the notable inclusions.
Bafana are in Group C alongside Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe Lesotho and Benin.
Bafana Bafana Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Monyane (all Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu, Ime Okon (both SuperSport United), Sfiso Hlanti, Given Msimango (both Kaizer Chiefs), Keegan Allan (Moroka Swallows), Zuko Mdunyelwa (Chippa United)
Midfielders: Luke le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden), Njabulo Blom (St. Louis City SC, USA), Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Grant Margeman (SuperSport United), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), Mlungisi Mbunjana (TS Galaxy)
Forwards: Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kobamelo Kodisang (Moreirense FC, Portugal), Khanyiso Mayo, Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC), Pule Mmodi (Kaizer Chiefs), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Monnapule Saleng, Zakhele Lepasa (both Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg FC, France).