By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced a 23-man squad for upcoming international friendly matches against Eswatini and Ivory Coast.
Broos announced his squad at the SABC studios in Auckland Park on Thursday.
South Africa will host Eswatini on Friday, 13 October, with the kick-off set for 18:00. South Africa will then jet off to to Ivory Coast on 17 October 2023.
These friendly games are part of Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to take place in November 2023.
However, SAFA are yet to confirm the venue for the friendly game against Eswatini. The players will report to camp on 8 October in Johannesburg, and they will travel to Ivory Coast on 14 October.
Bafana played two friendly matches at FNB Stadium last month, drawing 0-0 against Namibia and beating Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0.
South Africa’s first two games in World Cup qualifying group C are against Benin at home on November 13 and Rwanda away November 20.
Bafana Bafana Final Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu FC], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United]
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Paseka Mako [Orlando Pirates] Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
Midfielders: Njabulo Blom [Sr Louis FC], Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sphephelo Sithole [C.D Tondela], Sibongiseni Mthethwa [Kaizer Chiefs]
Forwards: Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebo Mothiba [Strasbourg FC], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns].