Bafana Bafana Squad Announcement Boasts Inclusions of Mudau and Mako for October Internationals

The South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, led by coach Hugo Broos, announced their 23-man squad for October's friendly internationals, a significant step towards South Africa's preparedness for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Previously overlooked, in-form right-back from the Mamelodi Sundowns, Khuliso Mudau, has now been included. Moreover, there's a maiden inclusion for Orlando Pirates left-back, Paseka Mako, who according to Broos, has been a potential call-up for a while. Notably, several players including the Sundowns' Bathusi Aubaas and Thapelo Morena, and Pirates' Innocent Maela won't be available due to injuries.

The widely-anticipated matches will see Bafana pit against Eswatini at home on October 13, and Ivory Coast away on 17th. These games will provide much-needed momentum for SA as they stride towards the World Cup qualifiers in November and prepare for AFCON finals in January and February next year.

Bafana's previous friendlies held at FNB Stadium in September resulted in a draw with Namibia (0-0) and victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-0). In the World Cup group C, South Africa's first challenges will be against Benin at home on November 13 and Rwanda away on November 20.

The Bafana squad consists of an excellent blend of experienced and young players across positions with the aim of delivering commendable performance in the upcoming fixtures.