Bafana give three young guns a chance to debut in World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos sprung a few surprises as he named his final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad on Friday for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, with three players potentially making their debuts in the November matches.

South Africa will play Benin at home on November 18 and Rwanda away three days later to open their Group C campaign, and Golden Arrows defender Bradley Cross, Stellenbosch midifelder Jayden Adams and Polokwane City attacker Oswin Appollis will all have the opportunity to fight for a place in the team. All three are just 22 years-old and having good seasons in the DStv Premiership.

It is safe to say that while the trio were named in Broos’ preliminary 44-man squad, it was not widely expected that they would make the final cut.

Cross has been named ahead of Orlando Pirates defender Paseka Mako, with Innocent Maela out injured, while Adams has been preferred to St Louis City’s Njabulo Blom, with Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas out with a long-term injury.

“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 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.