Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Recalls Khuliso Mudau for World Cup Qualifiers
Mamelodi Sundowns right back Khuliso Mudau has been recalled to the national team by Coach Hugo Broos for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda this month.
Changes in Bafana Bafana's Lineup
Mudau was absent in the September qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria due to club-related issues, but he has since returned to action for Sundowns and is now back in the Bafana lineup.
Broos has also included Siphephelo Sithole, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabang Matuludi, Malibongwe Khoza, and Thapelo Moreni, all of whom did not participate in the previous international window.
Conversely, Siyabonga Ngezana is notably missing after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers. Although his suspension would have ruled him out for the match against Zimbabwe, Broos decided to exclude him entirely from the squad.
Pressure on Bafana Bafana After FIFA Points Deduction
The South African team enters these matches under pressure following FIFA’s decision to deduct three points after midfielder Teboho Mokoena participated ineligible against Lesotho in March. This ruling granted Lesotho a 3-0 victory and pushed Bafana out of the top spot in Group C.
As a result, Benin has taken the lead on goal difference, although both teams are currently tied on 14 points.
Maintaining World Cup Aspirations
To bolster their World Cup chances, Bafana Bafana must secure maximum points against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October and against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium four days later.
In the CAF World Cup qualifiers, only group winners will gain automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, while the four best runners-up will have another opportunity through a playoff round.
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