By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named the 23-man squad for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda alter this month.
Bross cut his 44-man preliminary squad down ahead of the two important fixtures in their road to USA, Mexico and Canada.
A big call from the Belgian mentor a 22-year-old trio of Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City, Bradley Cross of Golden Arrows and Jayden Adams of Stellenbosch FC joining the camp for the first time.
Those missing out from the previous camp include Orlando Pirates duo Paseko Mako and Monnapule Saleng, as well as St Louis City midfielder Njabulo Blom.
“I can only choose 23 players, I don’t have a problem, but in some cases it is not easy to do it,” said Broos.
“We are looking at the future too. If we have a possibility to take a young player, because a player is not there, for example Bathusi Aubaas, then we will take one. Jayden (Adams) deserves it, maybe after the camp we will say it is too early, or maybe (not). This happened with Aubaas a few months ago (he stayed in the squad after impressing).”
Appollis is joined by returning Mamelodi Sundowns striker Thapelo Maseko, with Burnley’s Lyle Foster ruled out of the squad as he continues to recover in England from mental health issues.
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss
Defenders
Nyiko Mobbie, Bradley Cross, Grant Kekana, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau.
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Jayden Adams, Sphelelo Sithole.
Strikers
Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa, Lebo Mothiba, Percy Tau, Oswin Appolis, Mihlali Mayambela, Thapelo Maseko, Bongokuhle Hlongwane.