South Africa coach Hugo Broos has said he has a strong sense of who will make up the majority of his 23-26 man squad for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA, with Bafana Bafana due to open against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 before fixtures against Czechia and South Korea, according to the report.
Certain players are listed as largely assured of selection if fully fit: Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng, the article says.
The report notes Broos has rotated heavily in recent months, including two March friendlies against Panama after an AFCON round-of-16 exit in Morocco, leaving room for late changes. It also says Broos’s team selections have seldom been universally approved during his five years in charge, but that the South African Football Association appears to be backing him and he has built up public credit.
On goalkeepers, the article describes Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns as the near-undroppable captain despite some midseason vulnerability and a groin injury, and highlights Brandon Petersen of Kaizer Chiefs as likely to have done enough to be at least third-choice after appendix surgery kept him out of the Panama games. Ricardo Goss of Siwelele FC, who was part of the Morocco squad, is also described as likely to be high in the pecking order.
Several keepers and defenders are listed as on the fringes. Sipho Chaine’s omission from the Panama friendlies prompted speculation, Renaldo Leaner is noted to have performed poorly off the bench against Panama but is in strong club form for Sekhukhune, and Sage Stephens offers an experienced alternative after featuring in Broos’s squad before. Among centre-backs, Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire is described as emerging into a starring role and almost certain to start, while Khulumani Ndamane of Mamelodi Sundowns is praised for his left-footed ball play and likely inclusion in the squad, according to the report.
