Bafana Bafana squad named for September World Cup qualifiers

South Africa host Lesotho on 5 September at the Free State Stadium before welcoming continental giants Nigeria to the same venue four days later in what could prove decisive for their qualifying campaign.

Captain Ronwen Williams headlines the selection, while the absence of defender Khuliso Mudua is glaring amid his ongoing omission from the Sundowns squad this season.

There is a strong Sundowns and Orlando Pirates presence in the squad, with the two domestic giants contributing the bulk of the defensive and attacking options. 

Aubrey Modiba, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Teboho Mokoena form part of the Sundowns contingent, while Pirates’ Sipho Chaine, Mbikezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha and Patrick Maswanganyi also crack the nod.

The Europe-based contingent include Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth, England), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany) and Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway). 

Former Orlando Pirates forward Mohau Nkota, who recently secured a move to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, also earns a place in the final squad.

The likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mduduzi Shabalala add youthful flair to the attack, while seasoned campaigners such as Iqraam Rayners and Oswin Appollis provide depth across the front line.

FULL SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates FC)

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Siwelele), Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba (both Sundowns), Mbikezeli Mbokazi (Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy FC), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB FC, Romania)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Sundowns), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth FC, England), Thalente Mbatha (Pirates)

Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC, England), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs FC), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq FC, Saudi Arabia)