By Levy Masiteng
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has leaned heavily on the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) biggest clubs in naming a 32-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns providing nine players each.
The squad, announced on Thursday, comes as South Africa prepares to return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Pirates’ contingent includes goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, midfielder Thalente Mbatha, and forwards Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Sundowns are represented by captain Ronwen Williams, defenders Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Khulumani Ndamane, midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams, and forwards Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane and Thapelo Morena.
Kaizer Chiefs have four players in the preliminary squad: goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, defenders Bradley Cross and Thabiso Monyane, and midfielder Lebohang Maboe.
Broos has also included several overseas-based players, among them Burnley striker Lyle Foster, Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya and Portugal-based midfielder Sphephelo Sithole.
The remaining players include Ricardo Goss of Siwelele FC, Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi, Durban City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Ime Okon of Hannover 96 in Germany, Samukele Kabini of Molde FK in Norway, Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire in the United States and Thapelo Maseko of AEL Limassol in Cyprus.
The preliminary squad will be reduced to 26 players before the final list is submitted to FIFA.
Broos is expected to announce the final squad at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday.
South Africa will open their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on 11 June, before facing Czechia in Atlanta on 18 June and South Korea in Monterrey on 24 June.
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