World Cup Qualifier: Bafana Bafana name provisional squad for Super Eagles showdown
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced a 48-man provisional squad as Bafana Bafana gear up for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Lesotho and Nigeria.
Head coach Hugo Broos released the provisional list on Wednesday, describing the upcoming fixtures as “decisive battles” that could shape the destiny of Group C. South Africa currently lead the group, but with Nigeria and other challengers breathing down their necks, every point in September’s qualifiers could prove vital.
Bafana Bafana will open their campaign on Friday, September 5, when they face neighbours Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Four days later, on Tuesday, September 9, the team will return to the same venue to host perennial rivals, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, in what is expected to be one of the standout encounters of the qualification series.
Broos has gone for a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars in his provisional roster, with the aim of balancing experience and youthful energy.
Key senior players such as captain Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, and Percy Tau headline the list, while several youngsters from the domestic league have also been given a chance to impress.
Speaking on the squad composition, Broos said the extended list allows him to closely assess both local and overseas-based players before trimming it down to a final selection. “We are at a critical stage in the qualifiers. Every decision matters. Our focus is to build on the progress we have made while preparing for the intensity that matches against Lesotho and Nigeria always bring,” the Belgian tactician stated.
South Africa’s rivalry with Nigeria adds extra spice to the upcoming clash. The Super Eagles have traditionally had the upper hand in competitive meetings, but Bafana Bafana’s improved form under Broos has reignited hopes of breaking that dominance. Their last encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final earlier this year ended in heartbreak for South Africa, who lost on penalties.
Fans are already anticipating a charged atmosphere in Bloemfontein, with tickets expected to sell out quickly. Analysts say the outcome of the Nigeria match could heavily influence who takes control of Group C in the race for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The final squad is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, as Broos fine-tunes his plans for two fixtures that could define South Africa’s qualification journey.
