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Player profiles: Bafana Bafana World Cup squad

South Africa begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Mexico in a Group A opener, with Hugo Broos selecting a squad that blends experience, youth, and European based talent.

Here is your full matchday guide to every Bafana Bafana player, reported by Cape Town Etc..

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams

Bafana Bafana captain and undisputed number one Ronwen Hayden Williams (1) was born on 21 January 1992 in Gelvandale, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. He stands at 1.83m and weighs 79.6kg.

Nicknamed ‘Ronza’ and ‘Buffet,’ Williams has 63 caps and is widely regarded as the defining goalkeeper of his generation.

He plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in the PSL (Betway Premiership).

Williams made his international debut against Brazil on 5 March 2014 and last featured against Panama on 31 March 2026.

His early development came through Shatterprufe Rovers, followed by a stint at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy before graduating from SuperSport United’s academy in 2010, where he went on to win multiple domestic titles and individual honours, including PSL Goalkeeper of the Season in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Appointed captain in August 2021 under Hugo Broos, he rose to continental prominence at AFCON 2023, where he saved four penalties against Cape Verde and was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

He later became the first South African nominated for the Yachine Trophy and was ranked among the world’s leading goalkeepers at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards.

Sipho Chaine

Sipho Chaine (16), born 14 December 1996 in Bloemfontein, stands 1.86m and weighs 78.4kg.

Nicknamed ‘Sphola’ and ‘Marobha,’ he has 4 caps and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted against South Sudan on 10 September 2024 and last featured against Nicaragua on 29 May 2026.

Chaine came through Bloemfontein Celtic, Royal AM and Chippa United before joining Pirates in 2022, where he established himself as first choice in 2023/24.

He has collected multiple MTN8 titles and PSL honours, including Goalkeeper of the Season in 2024/25, and played a key role in Pirates’ 2025/26 league-winning campaign, recording 21 clean sheets.

Ricardo Goss

Ricardo Clarence Goss (22), born 2 April 1994 in Durban, stands 1.83m and weighs 88.7kg.

Nicknamed ‘Goose,’ he has 6 caps and plays for Siwelele FC.

He made his debut against Namibia on 8 October 2020 and last featured against Nicaragua on 29 May 2026.

Goss began at Golden Arrows before spells at Real Kings and Bidvest Wits, later joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020 and spending time on loan at SuperSport United.

He is known for his shot stopping ability, including an 11 save Man of the Match performance in March 2026.

Watch: Bafana Bafana’s Road To 2026

Defenders

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (14), born 19 September 2005 in Hluhluwe, stands 1.75m and weighs 82.9kg.

Nicknamed ‘Mbazo,’ ‘TLB,’ and ‘Roadblock,’ he has 10 caps and 1 goal and plays for Chicago Fire FC.

He debuted in June 2025 and scored his first international goal against Panama in March 2026.

Mbokazi rose through Makhasa FC and Orlando Pirates youth ranks, captaining youth sides before breaking through in domestic cup competitions.

He is known for leadership beyond his years and was part of Pirates’ treble-winning generation before moving to MLS.

Khuliso Mudau

Khuliso Johnson Mudau (20), born 26 April 1995 in Musina, stands 1.75m and weighs 71.7kg.

Nicknamed ‘Sailor,’ he has 33 caps and 1 goal and plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He debuted against Guinea in March 2022 and last played Panama in March 2026.

Mudau developed at JDR Stars and Black Leopards before becoming a key figure at Sundowns.

A former PSL Defender of the Season, AFCON 2023 bronze medallist and CAF Champions League winner, he is known for pace and attacking full-back play.

Aubrey Modiba

Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (6), born 22 July 1995 in Mentz, stands 1.70m and weighs 75.5kg.

Nicknamed ‘Postman,’ he has 47 caps and 3 goals and plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He debuted in the COSAFA Cup in 2019 and last featured at AFCON Morocco 2025.

A SAFA School of Excellence product, Modiba made his PSL debut at Mpumalanga Black Aces.

He is a multiple domestic champion and AFCON 2023 bronze medallist, known for set-piece quality and versatility.

Nkosinathi Sibisi

Nkosinathi Sibisi (19), born 22 September 1995 in Mpophomeni, stands 1.78m and weighs 77.2kg.

Nicknamed ‘Bhodlela,’ he has 21 caps and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted against Uganda in 2021 and last featured against Nicaragua in 2026.

Sibisi came through Golden Arrows and became Pirates captain in 2025/26.

He is a defensive leader and AFCON 2023 bronze medallist.

Khulumani Ndamane

Khulumani Ndamane (3), born 5 February 2004 in Sahlumbe, stands 1.87m and weighs 84.2kg.

Nicknamed ‘Mtara,’ he has 5 caps and plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He debuted in June 2025 and last featured against Panama in March 2026.

Ndamane rose quickly from FC Drakensberg to TS Galaxy before joining Sundowns in 2026.

He is known for composure and aerial strength.

Samukele Kabini

Samukele Kabini (18), born 15 March 2004 in Tweefontein, stands 1.88m and weighs 80.9kg.

He has 6 caps and plays for Molde FK in Norway.

He debuted against Mozambique in 2025 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Kabini progressed through Orlando Pirates youth before moving to Europe in 2025.

He is a modern left-footed defender gaining European experience.

Olwethu Makhanya

Olwethu Makhanya (24), born 30 April 2004 in Durban, stands 1.86m and weighs 81.2kg.

He has 1 cap and plays for Philadelphia Union.

He debuted against Nicaragua in 2026.

Makhanya developed at Stellenbosch FC before moving to the USA in 2023.

He is known for his calm ball playing ability.

Thabang Matuludi

Thabang Matuludi (2), born 14 January 1999 in Limpopo, stands 1.76m and weighs 62.2kg.

He has 6 caps and plays for Polokwane City.

He debuted at the 2024 COSAFA Cup and last featured against Nicaragua in 2026.

Matuludi rose from the ABC Motsepe League to the PSL.

Ime Okon

Ime Okon (21), born 20 February 2004 in Johannesburg, stands 1.87m and weighs 86kg.

He has 8 caps and 1 goal and plays for Hannover 96.

He debuted in the 2025 COSAFA Cup and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Okon progressed from SuperSport United to Germany in 2025.

He is a composed centre back with strong passing range.

Kamogelo Sebelebele

Kamogelo Sebelebele (25), born 21 July 2002 in Tembisa, stands 1.67m and weighs 64.9kg.

He has 8 caps and 1 goal and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted in 2025 COSAFA Cup and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Sebelebele is a versatile winger or full-back known for attacking runs.

Bradley Cross

Bradley Cross (26), born 30 January 2001 in Kempton Park, stands 1.84m and weighs 80.5kg.

He has 1 cap and plays for Kaizer Chiefs.

He debuted against Nicaragua in 2026.

Cross developed in South Africa, Germany and England before returning to the PSL.

He is a versatile defender.

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena

Teboho Mokoena (4), born 24 January 1997 in Bethlehem, stands 1.76m and weighs 78.7kg.

He has 56 caps and 9 goals and plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He debuted in 2017 and last played Panama in 2026.

Mokoena is a set-piece specialist and key AFCON 2023 bronze medallist.

Thalente Mbatha

Thalente Mbatha (5), born 6 March 2000 in KwaMashu, stands 1.83m and weighs 71.6kg.

He has 16 caps and 3 goals and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted in 2024 and last featured against Nicaragua in 2026.

Mbatha is a box-to-box midfielder known for energy and late goals.

Jayden Adams

Jayden Adams (23), born 5 May 2001 in Cape Town, stands 1.74m and weighs 70.2kg.

He has 10 caps and 2 goals and plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He debuted in 2022 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Adams is a creative midfielder known for vision and big match output.

Sphephelo Sithole

Sphephelo Sithole (13), born 3 March 1999 in Ulundi, stands 1.87m and weighs 83.9kg.

He has 28 caps and 1 goal and plays for Gil Vicente.

He debuted in 2022 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Sithole is a disciplined defensive midfielder with European experience.

READ: How Soccerzela is feeling ahead of Bafana vs Mexico

Forwards

Lyle Foster

Lyle Brent Foster (9), born 3 September 2000 in Soweto, stands 1.85m and weighs 83kg.

He has 301 caps and 10 goals and plays for Burnley.

He debuted in 2018 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Foster is South Africa’s leading striker with European experience across multiple leagues.

Relebohile Mofokeng

Relebohile Mofokeng (10), born 23 October 2004 in Sharpeville, stands 1.67m and weighs 54.8kg.

He has 13 caps and 1 goal and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted in 2024 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Mofokeng is one of the country’s brightest young talents.

Oswin Appollis

Oswin Appollis (7), born 25 August 2001 in Cape Town, stands 1.61m and weighs 60.3kg.

He has 26 caps and 8 goals and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted in 2023 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Appollis is a quick winger capable of unlocking defences.

Themba Zwane

Themba Zwane (11), born 3 August 1989 in Tembisa, stands 1.74m and weighs 68.7kg.

He has 54 caps and 12 goals and plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He debuted in 2014 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Zwane remains the veteran playmaker and leader.

Iqraam Rayners

Iqraam Rayners (15), born 19 December 1995 in Cape Town, stands 1.74m and weighs 76.8kg.

He has 201 caps and 5 goals and plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He debuted in 2023 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Rayners is a versatile forward across the front line.

Thapelo Maseko

Thapelo Maseko (12), born 11 November 2003 in Sebokeng, stands 1.72m and weighs 66.7kg.

He has 9 caps and 1 goal and plays for AEL Limassol.

He debuted in 2022 and last featured against Nicaragua in 2026.

Maseko is a pace driven winger with attacking threat.

Evidence Makgopa

Evidence Makgopa (17), born 5 June 2000 in GaMampa, stands 1.88m and weighs 78.5kg.

He has 26 caps and 6 goals and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted in June 2021, scoring twice on debut, and last played Panama in March 2026.

Originally a defender, Makgopa transitioned into a striker and remains a key aerial option.

Tshepang Moremi

Tshepang Moremi (8), born 2 October 2000 in Sharpeville, stands 1.68m and weighs 60.6kg.

He has 10 caps and 1 goal and plays for Orlando Pirates.

He debuted in 2024 and last played Nicaragua in 2026.

Moremi is a winger known for pace and impact off the bench.

FULL STORY…

Photo: Luke Hales/Getty Images

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