Khoza stands out as only 2024 CHAN player in Broos’ World Cup Qualifiers squad quad

Midfielder Malibongwe Khoza has been rewarded with a place in coach Hugo Broos’ preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, making him the only member of the 2024 CHAN team to break into the senior setup.

South Africa will face Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday, 5 September 2025, before returning to the same venue to host Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday, 9 September 2025. Both games will kick off at 18h00.

Khoza’s rise follows his impressive displays at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year. Despite South Africa bowing out at the group stage after battling co-hosts Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and Algeria, the midfielder stood out as one of the tournament’s positives. His consistency and work rate have now opened the door to the senior national team.

Bafana Bafana head into these fixtures in a strong position, sitting top of Group C with 13 points from six matches. Rwanda and Benin follow on eight points, Nigeria are fourth with seven, Lesotho trail with six, while Zimbabwe sit bottom with four.

Khoza’s promotion is seen as a major step in his career, and his energy and creativity could prove vital as South Africa look to strengthen their grip at the summit and continue their push for a place at the 2026 World Cup.