Bafana Bafana squad: Three new youngsters in for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Broos on Friday was present at SABC studios in Auckland Park to cut his 44-man preliminary squad down ahead of the two important fixtures in their road to USA, Mexico and Canada.

A big call from the Belgian mentor a 22-year-old trio of Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City, Bradley Cross of Golden Arrows and Jayden Adams of Stellenbosch FC joining the camp for the first time.

Those missing out from the previous camp include Orlando Pirates duo Paseko Mako and Monnapule Saleng, as well as St Louis City midfielder Njabulo Blom.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster is also left out following his request to be excused due to mental health issues, which were also confirmed by his Premier League club on Thursday.

READ: Burnley confirm Lyle Foster receiving specialist help for mental health

Replacing the 23-year-old forward is Mamelodi Sundowns utility attacker Thapelo Maseko.

Bafana are set to face Benin in their campaign opener at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 18 November (15h00) before they travel to Butare on Sunday to face Rwanda on Tuesday, 21 November (15:00).

In 21 matches since his arrival two-and-a-half years ago, the 71-year-old tactician has registered 11 wins, seven draws and just three defeats across all matches, excluding the COSAFA Cup and CHAN qualifiers.

FULL BAFANA SQUAD:

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

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Khuliso Mudua, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport), Bradley Cross (Golden Arrows)

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC)

Forwards: Zakhele Lepasa (both Pirates), Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg, France), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)

ALSO READ: Rwanda No.1 banking on PSL experience against Bafana