Bafana Bafana: Hugo Broos names final squad to face Eswatini and Ivory Coast

After naming a 33-man preliminary squad, the Belgian tactician has now trimmed the group, making several changes from the one who faced Namibia and DR Congo last month.

The goalkeeping department remains unchanged, with Broos having earlier revealed that Ricardo Goss would get a run against Eswatini before Ronwen Williams returns against the Elephants.

Meanwhile, in defence, Mamelodi Sundowns full-back Khuliso Mudau finally gets a nod following questions over his continued omission, while Paseka Mako of Orlando Pirates also gets a look-in.

The midfield features somewhat of a shake-up, with Teboho Mokoena returning after his withdrawal due to injury last month, and Sphephelo Sithole retaining his place after being drafted in to replace Luke Le Roux.

Pule Mmodi again misses out but Kaizer Chiefs new signing Sibongiseni Mthethwa is drafted in as he returns to the fold for the first time since making his debut against Botswana over a year ago.

Up front, just one change sees Portugal-based Kobamelo Kodisang fall short, and US-based Bongokuhle Hlongwane returning to the national setup for the first time since 2022.

The squad is expected to assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, 8 October ahead of the first fixture against Sihlangu Semnikati scheduled for Friday at an unconfirmed venue believed to be in Gauteng.

Bafana will then jet off to Abidjan over the weekend before facing Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening.

The AFCON draw, where South Africa are in pot 3, will also be conducted next Thursday, 12 October in Abidjan.

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, Paseka Mako (both Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport)

Midfielders: Njabulo Blom (St Louis City, USA), Sphephelo SIthole (Belenenses, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs)

Forwards: Monnapule Saleng, Zakhele Lepasa (both Pirates), Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg, France)