Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, attacking midfielders Yusuf Maart and Mduduzi Shabalala have been included in coach Hugo Broos’ preliminary 41-man Bafana Bafana squad for two international friendlies in June.
In the past few months, players from the country’s most storied club have battled to find favour with the national team coach.
This time, however, the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns players may have opened the way.
Broos decided that Sundowns players must prepare for the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States, from June 14 to July 13.
Broos had expressed a desire to absorb fresh prospects into the team during this international window, asserting his vision of injecting renewed vigour into South African football.
The selection includes several Under-20 talents.
The emphasis on youth reflects Broos’ ambition to foster a dynamic squad capable of competing on the world stage in the coming years.
The squad is set to assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, June 1, before making their way to Polokwane later that day.
Once Broos has identified the best talent for the final squad, he will announce the trimmed-down list, narrowing the extensive preliminary line-up to 23 players for the two friendly matches.
Two promising players from the Under-20 squad who were notably absent from the recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) victory in Egypt are in the squad.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates) and Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge KV) are dynamic talents, but their clubs declined to release them for the prestigious tournament.
Notably, Broos decided not to include any of the victorious Amajita players from the Afcon squad, hinting at a strategic move to provide them with much-needed rest before they embark on preparations for the upcoming World Cup in Chile.
This measured approach reflects an understanding of the demanding nature of international football and the importance of squad rotation.
Bafana Bafana will play against Tanzania and a second opponent is to be confirmed in the coming days.
The first match against Tanzania will be played at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, on Friday, June 6.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces his preliminary squad for the International Friendly matches to be played at home in June 2025.#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/xklKCKNZAM
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 22, 2025
Preliminary Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Johnson (Chippa United), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United)
Defenders: Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Nyiko Mobbie (SuperSport United), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Keagan Allan (Richards Bay FC), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Deano Van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Ime Okon (SuperSport United), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Fezile Gcaba (Richards Bay FC)
Midfielders: Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy), Yusuf Maart (Kaizer Chiefs), Simphiwe Selepe (Orlando Pirates), Gape Moralo (SuperSport United), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City FC), Kamogelo Sebelebele (TS Galaxy), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Luke Le Roux (Allsvenskan), Siphesihle Mkhize (Sekhukhune United), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge KV), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City FC), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu FC), Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
Forwards: Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay FC), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC), Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol)
