Hugo Broos Names 23 Players For World Cup Qualifiers, Drops Pirates Duo
- Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos dropped two Orlando Pirates strikers in his final squad to face Lesotho and Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March 2025
- The 23-man squad was named on Thursday, 13 March 2025, ahead of the match against Lesotho on Friday, 21 March, and Benin on Tuesday, 25 March
- Local football fans reacted on social media to question some of Broos’ selections while others backed the team for success
Orlando Pirates striking duo Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa were omitted from the final Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Hugo Broos selected a 23-man Bafana squad to face Lesotho on Friday, 21 March 2025, and Benin on Tuesday, 25 March.
Source: Getty Images
After naming his preliminary squad at the start of March, Broos decided to drop the Pirates duo despite their starring roles for the Soweto giants this season.
Hugo Broos names his final squad
Broos names his squad on Twitter (X):
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
The omission of Mabasa came as a surprise to several local fans after the striker continued his scoring form after winning the PSL Golden Boot last season.
Mabasa’s form could also earn him a new contract at the Soweto giants while the striker aims to become the Bucs’ all-time top scorer.
Bafana is currently second in their qualifying group, level with log leaders Rwanda on seven points with six matches left to play.
Broos speaks about Sundowns' PSL dominance in the tweet below:
Broos aims for World Cup glory
Along with dropping the Pirates pair, Broos selected nine players from PSL log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns as he aims to secure a place in the 2026 tournament in North America.
One player that will miss out on selection this season is Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley who has been ruled out through injury.
Broos hopes he can lead Bafana to the World Cup, saying it would be his swansong to the coaching career he began in 1988.
Source: Instagram
Fans question Broos’ selection
Local football fans questioned the 72-year-old Broos’ selections while others backed the side to gain six points during March.
Ndumiso NyanaWomntu Mzuzu is confused:
“Where's Cele?”
Ndloviyangena Funelinjani is shocked by one selection:
“Mobbie the heir.”
Sibusiso Mogoane feels for Mabasa:
“The Mabasa story continues.”
Zithulele Mondli Ntanzi praised on call-up:
“Moloisane, well deserved.”
Lukhanyo Hoyana backed two Pirates stars:
“Tito and Sibisi.”
Zacharia King Mushaphi noted a returning player:
“Percy Tau.”
Tiro WaMhlanga asked a question:
“Makgopa?”
Leal Deep shared their views:
“Bathusi Aubaas, I don't really rate him. I'm sorry other than those long rage shots from Mbatha what does he bring? I've watched him closely and he is not better than Luke le Roux.”
Zet Zet is not convinced by some call-ups:
“Pirates players are not convincing these days. I know Broos selected them for the CL run, otherwise, let's hope for the best.”
BanGer Laziie Tshuks backs the squad:
“I like this squad but I’m not sure about Mobbie. What’s up with Broos about him?”
Bafana Bafana WCQ results so far
Bafana Bafana are seeking to return to the World Cup, where they last participated in 2010 as hosts.
After four games, Hugo Broos' team sits second in Group C with seven points, the same as log leaders Rwanda, who enjoy a superior goal difference.
Recall that South Africa defeated Benin Republic (2-1) on match day one and got the better of Zimbabwe (3-1) on match day four.
They also picked up a massive point away from home against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on match day three after a 1-1 draw.
Despite losing 2-0 to Rwanda on match day two, they are still in a good position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup set to hold in USA, Mexico and Canada.
Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo impresses local fans
As reported by Briefly News, Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo impressed local fans during a Durban cruise.
Khumalo attended the cruise where he signed autographs and showed that he still has football skills by juggling the ball in front of the crowd.
Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Proofreading by Jimmy Modise, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Junior Bester (Sports Editor) Junior Bester is the current Entertainment (Sports) Writer at Briefly News. He achieved a ND:Journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2012. He worked for Independent Newspapers from 2011 till 2022 covering news, sport, business and entertainment for titles such as Weekend Argus, Cape Argus, Daily Voice and Northern News. Junior passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. He joined Briefly News in 2024. You can reach him at junior.bester@briefly.co.za
Jimmy Modise (Sports Editor) Jimmy is an experienced copy editor who has for just under two years as junior copy editor at Sports Brief and is still engaged in the same profession now for Legit Media and other projects. He has a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies, has worked briefly as radio producer, intern sportswriter and copywriter in his storied journey.
