Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has included Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa in his 33-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Congo Brazzaville in October.

South Africa will play Congo on 11 October at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and face them again four days later in an away match.

Despite being the PSL’s top goal scorer last season, with 10 goals, Mabasa was previously overlooked by Broos, who said the striker wasn’t ready for international football.

However, with three goals in nine games this season, Mabasa has now earned his first national team call-up since July 2023.

It remains to be seen if Mabasa will make the final 23-man squad, as Broos has also selected other forwards like Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, and Mihlali Mayambela.

Other surprising call-ups include Chippa United’s versatile player Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane, Kaizer Chiefs’ Bradley Cross, and Sweden-based midfielder Luke le Roux.

Al Ahly’s Percy Tau, who was dropped from recent matches against Uganda and South Sudan, is back in the squad.

South Africa is currently second in Group K, with four points, the same as leaders Uganda, who have a better goal difference.

Congo sits third with three points, while South Sudan is at the bottom.

Full Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa, Sipho Chaine.

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Bradley Cross, Thapelo Morena, Rushwin Dortley, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Thabiso Sesane, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Luke Le Roux, Thatlente Mbatha.

Forwards: Tshegofatso Mabasa, Iqraam Rayners, Mihlali Mayambela, Percy Tau, Elias Mokwana, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Devin Titus, Owsin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi.

Pictured above: Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa in action against Polokwane City.

Source Orlando Pirates