Bafana Bafana Squad: Mbokazi, Nkota Among Four First-Time Selections
South Africa’s national football team has unveiled an exciting Bafana Bafana squad for their upcoming international friendlies. Several rising stars from Orlando Pirates are grabbing the spotlight. Led by head coach Hugo Broos, the selection blends youth and experience. It offers new opportunities for emerging talent to make their mark on the senior stage.
Bright Prospects from Orlando Pirates Earn Call-Ups
Two promising Pirates youngsters, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota, are set to earn their first senior national team caps. Mbokazi, who only recently debuted at club level, has enjoyed a rapid rise this season. Nkota’s standout performances for the Buccaneers have not gone unnoticed by Broos. Their inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad highlights a shift towards nurturing youthful talent within the national setup.
Moreover, the squad also features Simphiwe Selepe and Deano Van Rooyen, both also from Orlando Pirates, receiving their first international call-ups. A total of nine players from the Soweto giants have been named in the Bafana Bafana squad, reinforcing the club’s growing influence on the national scene.
No Sundowns Stars in the Line-Up
Notably absent from the squad are players from recently crowned Betway Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. The Tshwane-based club is currently preparing for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final. They will represent Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next month. Their players have been left out of the Bafana Bafana squad for the June fixtures. This allows them to focus on their continental and international commitments.
Friendly Fixtures on Home Soil
Bafana Bafana are set to host two friendly matches on local turf. First, they’ll face Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on 6 June. This will be followed by a clash against Mozambique at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane on 10 June. These matches offer a valuable platform for Broos to assess fresh talent and fine-tune strategies ahead of competitive fixtures later this year.
Full Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
- Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
- Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United)
Defenders:
- Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
- Nyiko Mobbie (SuperSport United)
- Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)
- Deano Van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates)
- Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK)
- Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC)
Midfielders:
- Simphiwe Selepe (Orlando Pirates)
- Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
- Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City FC)
- Luke Le Roux (Allsvenskan)
Forwards:
- Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay FC)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
- Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City FC)
- Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates)
- Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
- Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu FC)
- Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United)
- Ashley Cupido (Stellenbosch FC)
This new-look Bafana Bafana squad is a testament to the evolving depth in the national team. Broos signals his intent to invest in local talent and reward consistent performers in the domestic league. With the blend of youthful exuberance and established experience, the coming fixtures are poised to provide both entertainment and a glimpse into the future of football in the country.
All Eyes on the New Generation
As Bafana Bafana prepare to step onto the pitch, anticipation is high to see how the newcomers perform on the international stage. These matches not only offer a chance to impress but also serve as stepping stones for players hoping to cement their place in future competitions. For supporters, it’s a moment to rally behind a squad that’s embracing a new chapter, filled with fresh energy and national pride.
Also read: Former Bafana Striker to Leave Orlando Pirates Amid Transfer Links
