Broos plots Bafana's Afcon path with 43-man preliminary squad for Zambia friendly

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and Safa president Danny Jordaan embrace each other after South Africa qualified for the 2026 World Cup. * A 43-man Bafana Bafana preliminary squad was revealed by Hugo Broos to face Zambia in an international friendly on 14 November. * With the Zambia clash serving as one of the final tests before Afcon, Broos continues to blend experience with new faces. * Bafana will battle Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe in Group B at Afcon. * For more Bafana Bafana news, visit our dedicated section. Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his preliminary squad for next month's international friendly against Zambia, as preparations intensify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The match is set to be staged on Friday, 14 November, with a venue yet to be confirmed, but the purpose is clear - to sharpen South Africa's edges before they face Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe in a demanding Group B at Afcon in December and January. Fresh from securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bafana enter this window brimming with quiet confidence. Despite FIFA's official adjustment to their unbeaten streak due to the much publicised Mokoena-gate, Broos' men remain undefeated on the pitch in 24 consecutive matches - a testament to the discipline and structure the Belgian has instilled since taking charge. Broos has blended experience with form players in this call-up. Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United, Masindi Nemtanjela from Orlando Pirates, and TS Galaxy's lively Puso Dithejane are among those rewarded for consistent domestic performances. Devin Titus of Stellenbosch FC also earns a deserved nod, reflecting Broos' continued appreciation for attacking players with sharp movement and work ethic. At the back, Vuyo Letlapa and Siyabonga Ngezana return to the fold, joined by Luke Le Roux in midfield and Iqraam Rayners up front - the latter making his comeback after missing the last round of qualifiers. New inclusions such as Keegan Allan (AmaZulu) and Fezile Gcaba (Durban City) suggest Broos is still willing to look for emerging talent. Notably missing are Relebohile Mofokeng, who has struggled for game time at Pirates. This fixture against Zambia marks one of Broos' final testing grounds before naming his final squad for Morocco.