Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has picked TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane to replace suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi for the crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium (6pm).
In the other enforced change, Broos went with Orlando Pirates attacker Evidence Makgopa to replace injured Lyle Foster as the lone striker to get the much-needed goals.
The other changes from the team that drew with Zimbabwe last week sees Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns replace Mohau Nkota of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has been preferred for Portuguese side club CD Tondela in the heart of the midfield.
Bafana Bafana are in the building. pic.twitter.com/jPgQ8ksSSW
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) October 14, 2025
Elsewhere, Broos went with tried and tested players like captain Ronwen Williams, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis, who did duty in Bafana’s 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday.
South Africa must beat Rwanda and hope that Nigeria beat Group C leaders Benin in Uyo to have a chance of qualifying for the global showpiece in the US, Mexico and Canada.
South Africa (15 points, +3 goal difference) go into their last qualifier with their fate not in their hands as their ambitions of reaching the World Cup will go up in smoke if they drop points.
The Group C permutations favour top-placed Benin (17 points, +5 difference), who will qualify if they beat third-placed Nigeria (14 points) away from home in the simultaneous match.
Bafana Starting line-up: Ronwen Williams, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Thatenthe Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Morena, Evidence Makgopa
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