By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has received a late call-up to the South African squad ahead of the Tuesday qualifiers against Rwanda to replace injured Burnley striker Lyle Foster.
Foster sat out of the last training session for Bafana Bafana on Monday, after he picked up injury in a goalless draw against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Friday.
After being closely watched by the team’s medical department, Foster has failed the late fitness test, in another blow for Bafana Bafana. South Africa has already lost key attackers Iqraam Rayners and Relebohile Mofokeng to injuries for the crucial qualifiers.
Cupido returns to the national team for the first time since June 2025, when he scored his debut goal in a friendly win over Mozambique. The 24-year-old forward, who has six senior caps, was also part of the squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
He joins fellow Stellenbosch teammate Thabo Moloisane, who was added to the squad in place of suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi, sent off in the goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
This marks Moloisane’s second successive call-up, having featured in last month’s 3-0 win over Lesotho. Coach Hugo Broos now faces a selection dilemma at centre back, with Moloisane, Sibisi, Khoza, and Ndamane all in contention.
South Africa currently sits second in Group C, making Tuesday’s clash at Mbombela Stadium (18h00 kick-off) a must-win to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.