Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has officially revealed his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Joining the send-off, Banyana Banyana mastermind Desiree Ellis expressed immense pride in how far SA football has grown, calling on the entire nation to rally behind the team — whether from the stands in North America or at local fan parks back home. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was brimming with pride at the national senior men's team Fifa World Cup announcement dinner on Wednesday night, praising the development of South African football.
"We've grown leaps and bounds," Ellis said, backing up the World Cup team with lower divisions and their progress in the sport.
Ellis urged the country to make their way to any fan park to watch the Bafana team play to show their support, if they are not going to watch the games live.
"If you look at our Under-17 girls team, we are one round away from qualifying for the World Cup and I wish them all the best. Our Under 17 boys got close. Our Under-20 boys are African Champions.
"Even if you look at Masandawana (Mamelodi Sundowns) — they are the best team on the Continent. So, I think our football is growing and getting better.
"Hopefully, that transcends into the national team. Whether the fans go to the stadium in Mexico, US or Canada or whether they here at fan parks, I think we all need to support them because these are the boys that are going to represent us at the World Cup," Ellis said.
Ellis said coach Hugo Broos had a difficult job prior to announcing the team, because "finding a mix" is not always an easy job. Especially, when its on the biggest stage of them all.
"It's sometimes days of just sitting and thinking because you have to get the mix right. You have to know that you have cover in all the positions and make sure that if you need to change, then you have the players to change. Unfortunately, some players get left out because of that.
"He could only go with 26 players and that makes it very difficult. If the squads were smaller then it becomes even more difficult," Ellis said.
Broos named his 26 man squad on Wednesday night in Johannesburg.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, US), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, US).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal).
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).