Hugo Broos names 35-man Bafana Bafana squad for Liberia AFCON qualifiers

Mamelodi Sundowns star forward Cassius Mailula has cracked the nod for the first time, along with SuperSport United defender Thapelo Maseko and Portugal-based midfielder Kobamelo Kodisang.

The likes of St Louis City SC midfielder Njabulo Blom and new Burnley FC signing Lyle Foster headline the foreign-based contingent, while Egypt-based striking duo Percy Tau and Fagrie Lakay also make the initial list.

Bafana host Liberia in crucial Group K qualifiers for next year's AFCON finals on Friday, 24 March (18h00) at Orlando Stadium, before traveling to Monrovia for the return fixture on 28 March.

Broos will name his final 23-man squad at the SABC headquarters next week.

Full Bafana Bafana 35-man preliminary squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Sundowns), Siyanda Msani (Richards Bay), Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Orlando Pirates), Taariq Fielies (Cape Town City), Thapelo Maseko (SuperSport United), Siyanda Xulu (Turan Tovus, Azerbaijan)

Midfielders: Miguel Timm (Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden), Njabulo Blom (St Louis City, USA), Sphephelo SIthole (Belenenses, Portugal), Sphelele Mkhulise, Teboho Mokoena (both Sundowns), Grant Margeman (SuperSport)

Forwards: Monnapule Saleng (Pirates), Khanyiso Mayo (CT City), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows), Themba Zwane, Cassius Mailula (both Sundowns), Zakhele Lepasa (SuperSport), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota, USA), Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids, Egypt), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Kobamelo Kodisang (Moreirense, Portugal)