South Africa Names Two Uncapped Players for World Cup Squad

South Africa Names 26-Man World Cup Squad with 19 Local Players

The South African national team has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The team, led by coach Hugo Broos, features 19 local players, five who play in Europe, and two from the United States.

Among the selected players are defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross, both of whom have never played in a World Cup before. Makhanya plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, while Cross is a left-back for Kaizer Chiefs. The team also includes recent major trophy winners Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, with eight players each from the two teams.

Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was omitted from the squad due to appendix surgery, which prevented him from participating in World Cup warm-up matches against Panama earlier this year. Coach Broos has largely stuck with players who earned their first appearance at the global tournament for Bafana Bafana in 16 years.

The team will face cohosts Mexico in its opening match on June 11, followed by fixtures against the Czech Republic in Atlanta and South Korea in Monterrey. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and younger talent, with 19 of the 26 players based in the South African league.

Coach Broos has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to create history and secure a second-round slot, despite being considered outsiders in Group A. He will be coaching his final World Cup match, having previously led Belgium to fourth place at the 1986 tournament.

Source: Al Jazeera