Sphephelo Sithole in line for Bafana Bafana return after preliminary squad reveal
Bafana Bafana sit at the top of Group C, three points ahead of Benin with two matches remaining in the qualifying round.
However, an investigation by FIFA into the fielding of suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in a 2-0 victory back in March may lead to disciplinary action involving the docking of points.
Hugo Broos will be hoping to win the last two matches in order to qualify despite any sanction that may be imposed by football's governing body over the player ineligibility saga.
The Belgian has named a similar provisional squad to the one picked ahead of the matches against Lesotho and Nigeria earlier this month.
Portugal based midfielder Sphephelo Sithole is the notable inclusion on the list following his return to action for this club CD Tondela after a lengthy spell out due to injury.
Sithole had been a key member of Hugo Broos side that won bronze at the 2023 African Cup of Nations and last made an appearance against South Sudan last October in a 2025 AFCON qualifier.
The final 23-man squad is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Bafana will face Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October before hosting Benin at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga four days later.
Bafana Bafana provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Darren Johnson, Renaldo Leaner.
Defenders: Thabang Matuludi, Thabiso Monyane, Thabo Molisane, Khulumani Ndamane, Samukelo Kabini, Keegan Allan, Vuyo Letlapa, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezile Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Khuliso Mudau, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba, Malibongwe Khoza.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Jayden Adams, Luke Le Roux, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, Sipho Mbule, Siphesihle Mkhize , Ndamulelo Maphangule, Sphephelo Sithole.
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Thapelo Morena, Mduduzi Shabalala, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkotya, Lyle Foster, Ashley Cupido, Devin Titus, Keletso Makgalwa, Puso Dithejane, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Mihlali Mayambela.