Bafana Bafana hit by double blow ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The Bafana Bafana camp has been rocked by the late withdrawal of two key players ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

Both Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners have been pulled from the squad, forcing coach Hugo Broos to make last-minute replacements.

Rele Mofokeng Out, Chiefs’ Shabalala Called Up

Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng was the first casualty, withdrawn due to an injury sustained over the weekend during the Carling Knockout Cup. Mofokeng will play no part as Bafana Bafana takes on the Warriors in Durban on Friday before hosting Amavubi Stars in Mbombela next Tuesday.

Replacing him is Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala. Shabalala, who was initially cut from the preliminary squad, now joins the Bafana Bafana camp for the final two qualifiers as the team seeks to secure a spot in the global showpiece.

“We had to replace Rele Mofokeng because of the injury he got on Saturday,” Broos told the media, confirming the change.

Rayners Withdrawn, Makgopa Steps In

The setback was compounded when Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners was also ruled out, with SAFA confirming his exit from the camp “due to medical reasons.”

This loss is a significant blow, as Rayners is the most prolific striker in Broos’ squad, having netted nine goals in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.

Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa has been called up to step in for Rayners. Makgopa is a trusted figure for Broos despite struggling for form at his club, and he arrives fresh off a missed penalty in the Carling Knockout Cup, which he will hope to put behind him.

Squad Arrivals and Qualification Pressure

Hugo Broos confirmed that aside from the withdrawn duo, all local players have reported for camp. The overseas-based pair of Lyle Foster and Sphephelo Sithole are the only remaining arrivals, expected to join the squad on Tuesday morning.

Bafana Bafana now face immense pressure to win both games after being docked three points by FIFA for illegally fielding a suspended Teboho Mokoena in a previous match against Lesotho. With Benin leading Group C on goal difference (both teams are on 14 points), two victories are crucial for South Africa to boost their chances of World Cup qualification.