Bafana Bafana, fresh off a commendable bronze medal finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast earlier this year, are gearing up for their next challenge in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, the team has welcomed several new faces, including Romanian league champion Siyabonga Ngezana, as well as Relebohile Mofokeng, England-based Lyle Foster, and Given Msimango. These additions have seamlessly integrated with the existing squad, quickly becoming part of the Bafana Bafana family.
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The South African national team is set to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in quick succession in the World Cup qualifiers, building on their solid performance in the inaugural FIFA series in Algeria back in March.
"You know, we have a very fantastic group also for the new players. So, they were immediately received by them (other players). It's like they were always with us so for me it was nice to see them in training," Broos told SAFA media.
The integration of new players into the South Africa national team is a testament to the cohesive and welcoming environment fostered by the coaching staff and players alike. Broos, a seasoned Belgian mentor, values the blend of footballing talent and personal character in his squad selections. The recent additions, while they were not part of the AFCON squad in the Ivory Coast, have been on the national team's radar due to their performances at their respective clubs.
"You see, those guys playing in their clubs but now the contact is closer and you know them also as a human being and I mean it's three good guys who made a good choice not only for football qualities but also for human qualities," Broos said.
In their last three matches, Bafana Bafana have shown resilience and skill, remaining unbeaten against Algeria (drawing 3-3), Andorra (1-1) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (winning on penalties after a 0-0 score).
South Africa face the Super Eagles at 9pm at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Nigeria on Friday night.
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