Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has left out Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng from his preliminary squad for South Africa’s international friendly against Zambia on November 15. The venue for the match is yet to be confirmed.
The friendly will serve as preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco, scheduled for December and January. South Africa are drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Mofokeng’s exclusion comes after the young midfielder’s absence from recent matches for Orlando Pirates. In contrast, Broos has rewarded players who have been in strong form, including attackers Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United, Masindi Nemtanjela of Pirates, and Puso Dithejane of TS Galaxy.
Also named in the squad are defenders Vuyo Letlapa, Siyabonga Ngezana, Luke le Roux, midfielder Mihlali Mayambela, and striker Iqraam Rayners, who missed the last World Cup qualifiers.
Broos has also called up Keegan Allan (AmaZulu), Fezile Gcaba (Durban City), Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC), Tshepang Moremi and Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Pirates), and Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC).
Notably, there is still no place for Thembinkosi Lorch of Wydad Casablanca or Tshegofatso Mabasa of Pirates.
Bafana Bafana qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this month after defeating Rwanda in their final group match in Mbombela. The Zambia friendly will be used to fine-tune the team ahead of their Afcon campaign.
