Local Talent Powers World Cup

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially finalized his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Announced at a special send-off event hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the selection heavily highlights the domestic strength of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

An impressive 19 of the 26 selected players currently play in the PSL, with domestic powerhouses Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns heavily dominating the national roster. Specifically, 7 players hail from Orlando Pirates and 7 players represent Mamelodi Sundowns, meaning these two clubs combine to provide 14 players—more than half of the entire 26-man World Cup squad. Additionally, six other squad members honed their skills locally through the PSL and the DStv Diski Challenge development ranks before moving to international clubs.

The squad includes stars like captain Ronwen Williams, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, and veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, alongside emerging talents like Relebohile Mofokeng and Samukele Kabini. Grouped alongside South Korea, the Czech Republic, and co-hosts Mexico, South Africa will kick off their campaign against the Mexicans on June 11, 2026.

Rallying the team to target the ultimate prize, President Ramaphosa delivered a powerful message during the ceremony. “Bafana Bafana has done it. Bafana Bafana is back. Stronger. Focused. Fearless. Hungrier,” Ramaphosa declared. “As a team, you have already made history by qualifying for the first time in more than twenty years. Now we want to see you lift that trophy.”

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