Bafana Bafana Squad Update: Broos Makes Another Change Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has been forced to make yet another change to his squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin. The South African national team will have to navigate these fixtures without key players due to injury and personal reasons.

On Monday, Broos confirmed that Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi had been ruled out due to injury, with Ndamulelo Maphangule taking his place. Now, Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba has also withdrawn from the squad following the birth of his child, as he has been granted time to be with his family during this period.

Sekhukhune United’s Vuyo Letlapa Called Up

In Modiba’s absence, Sekhukhune United left-back Vuyo Letlapa has been called up to join the national team. Letlapa, who joined Babina Noko before the start of this season, has been one of their most consistent performers. The talented defender made the jump from Jomo Cosmos in the ABC Motsepe League and will now have a golden opportunity to impress at international level.

Letlapa will compete for a place in the starting XI with Stellenbosch FC’s Fawaaz Basadien, who is another option at left-back. His call-up is a testament to his rapid rise, and he has already been linked with potential moves to South Africa’s top clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Sundowns.

Crucial Fixtures for Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana will face Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday before traveling to Ivory Coast to take on Benin four days later. These matches are crucial as South Africa looks to strengthen its position in the World Cup qualification campaign.

With these squad changes, it remains to be seen how Broos will adjust his tactics, but the inclusion of fresh talent like Letlapa provides an exciting opportunity for the national team to showcase its depth.