Four Kaizer Chiefs players have been included in Hugo Broos’ 32-man Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Amakhosi co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef got his wish after declaring that “at least three or four” of his players should be called up by Broos as reward for the season the Soweto giants have had.
The Glamour Boys have qualified for Africa for the first time in six years after securing third place in the Betway Premiership with two matches to spare.
Brandon Peterson, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane and Lebohang Maboe all got the nod from Broos, although it remains to be seen how many of them will be retained when the Belgian announces his final 26-man squad on May 27.
Another notable inclusion is Iqraam Rayners, who has been continuously overlooked despite being the highest-scoring South African domestically this season with 12 goals for Mamelodi Sundowns in the league – only Junior Dion of Golden Arrows has bagged more (14).
Brooklyn Poggenpoel is probably the biggest surprise inclusion, having helped Durban City secure their maiden trophy after beating TS Galaxy 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final earlier this month.
The group will meet up in Johannesburg on May 25 to prepare for South Africa’s send-off match against Nicaragua at the Amstel Orlando Arena.
Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs);
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire);
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela);
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).
