South Africa named uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross of their ultimate squad for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, whereas there may be additionally a spot for 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane.
There have been few surprises from coach Hugo Broos as he largely caught with the gamers who earned a primary look on the world finals for Bafana Bafana in 16 years.
South Africa faces co-hosts Mexico within the match opener on June 11, earlier than Group A clashes with the Czech Republic in Atlanta (June 18) and South Korea in Monterrey (June 24).
Centre-back Makhanya, 22, performs for Philadelphia Union in Main League Soccer, whereas Cross, 25, as soon as within the academy at Newcastle United, is a left-back for native Soweto facet Kaizer Chiefs.
Each had not been concerned in qualifying, however a want to have extra defensive choices led to their choice. Common left-back Aubrey Modiba has additionally been chosen regardless of lacking Sunday’s second leg of the CAF Champions League ultimate for Mamelodi Sundowns with a hamstring damage.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster will lead the road and Zwane’s expertise and guile on the ball is seen by Broos as important to the crew, with 19 of the 26 gamers based mostly within the South African league.
The World Cup is a swansong to educate for his or her Belgian tactician Broos, 74, who has already mentioned he’ll name time on his profession after the finals.
The previous defender give up worldwide soccer as a participant after the 1986 World Cup that was additionally hosted in Mexico, the place he helped Belgium to fourth place.
“I do know these gamers who needed to drop out will likely be very upset tonight,” Broos mentioned. “There have been some very tough selections to be made. I hope I’ve chosen the suitable ones.”
South Africa have appeared in three earlier World Cup finals having debuted in 1998. They certified once more in 2002 and hosted the match in 2010. They exited within the group levels on every event.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane Metropolis), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (each Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fireplace, USA).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (each Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Proof Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (each Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
