Sixteen players come from just two clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Six play abroad. And two have never won a senior cap.

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams | Mamelodi Sundowns | Captain | 34

Came through Tottenham's academy, spent a decade at SuperSport, joined Sundowns in 2022. In 2024 he became the first African-based goalkeeper nominated for the Ballon d'Or's Yashin Trophy. This season: 13 clean sheets in 29 league appearances, and a penalty save in Rabat that sealed Sundowns' CAF Champions League title on 24 May.

Ricardo Goss | Siwelele FC | 34

Williams's long-standing understudy. Steady and reliable, almost certain not to play unless injury forces the issue.

Sipho Chaine | Orlando Pirates | 27

Beat Kaizer Chiefs' Brandon Petersen for the third slot, the most contested call Broos had to make. First-choice keeper during Pirates' title-winning season.

Defenders

Khuliso Mudau | Mamelodi Sundowns | Right-back | 30

First-choice right-back. A Sundowns regular since 2019, he started both legs of the CAF Champions League final and combines defensive solidity with an attacking threat down the right.

Nkosinathi Sibisi | Orlando Pirates | Centre-back | 30

Experienced centre-back and a steady presence in Pirates' title-winning defence. His inclusion drew some criticism from those who preferred younger options, but Broos has consistently backed him in high-stakes matches.

Ime Okon | Hannover 96 (Germany) | Centre-back | 22

Left South Africa as a teenager and has developed through Hannover's system since 2023. Strong in the air and composed in possession. Expected to partner Mbokazi in central defence against Mexico.

Khulumani Ndamane | Mamelodi Sundowns | Centre-back | 24

Joined Sundowns from TS Galaxy last year and earned his place during the 2025-26 PSL season. Quick and comfortable in possession. Most likely a rotation option at this tournament.

Aubrey Modiba | Mamelodi Sundowns | Left-back | 30

One of Bafana's longest-serving regulars and the squad's key fitness question. He limped off in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final with a reported hamstring problem.

Samukele Kabini | Molde FK (Norway) | Left-back | 23

The backup at left-back if Modiba is unavailable. A regular in the Norwegian top flight since joining Molde from TS Galaxy.

Thabang Matuludi | Polokwane City | Right-back | 24

Forced his way into the squad with consistent performances for an unfashionable PSL club. A credible backup to Mudau.

Olwethu Makhanya | Philadelphia Union (MLS) | Centre-back | 22

Uncapped at senior level. Philadelphia's first U-22 initiative signing, he helped them win the 2024 MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference and earned an MLS Best XI nomination during their 2025 Supporters' Shield season.

Kamogelo Sebelebele | Orlando Pirates | Right-back | 22

Versatile right-footed defender who broke into Pirates' squad during the title-winning season. A development pick, likely to see limited minutes.

Bradley Cross | Kaizer Chiefs | Left-back | 22

Uncapped at senior level. Selected for left-back depth. Unlikely to feature unless injury intervenes.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Chicago Fire (MLS) | Centre-back | 20

Moved from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire in December 2025, a transfer that sparked a public dispute when Broos criticised both the move and Mbokazi's late arrival at the AFCON camp, making comments that triggered a formal complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission. Broos apologised for his delivery but maintained his position on the transfer. Mbokazi performed solidly at AFCON and has been a regular starter for Chicago Fire. He is expected to start alongside Okon on 11 June.

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena | Mamelodi Sundowns | Defensive midfielder | 29

The central figure in Broos's tactical setup, a deep-lying playmaker who breaks up attacks, distributes over long distances, and is a set-piece and long-range shooting threat. Scored the equaliser in Rabat that secured Sundowns' CAF Champions League title on aggregate. Four PSL titles since joining Sundowns in 2022.

Thalente Mbatha | Orlando Pirates | Central midfielder | 25

Mokoena's understudy. Combative and tactically disciplined, he played significant minutes during Pirates' title-winning campaign and is the more attacking of the two holding options.

Sphephelo "Yaya" Sithole | CD Tondela (Portugal) | Defensive midfielder | 26

Born in Ulundi, he has built a career in Portuguese football and was a regular for Tondela in the Primeira Liga in 2025-26. The squad's only Portugal-based player.

Jayden Adams | Mamelodi Sundowns | Central midfielder | 25

Missed AFCON and spent time outside the squad, but consistent second-half form including Sundowns' CAF Champions League run earned him a recall. Left-footed with good ball-playing ability.

Forwards

Oswin Appollis | Orlando Pirates | Winger | 24

Joined Pirates from Polokwane City this season and became a regular in the title-winning side. Bafana's most consistent winger during qualifying, and scorer of the goal against Rwanda that secured qualification. Expected to start against Mexico.

Iqraam Rayners | Mamelodi Sundowns | Centre-forward | 29

Second-top scorer in the Betway Premiership this season. His AFCON omission was widely questioned. Provides a physical centre-forward option and a likely rotation choice for minutes off the bench.

Tshepang Moremi | Orlando Pirates | Forward | 23

Versatile attacker who can play across the front line. Scored in the 6-0 win over TS Galaxy in March and provides useful bench cover.

Relebohile Mofokeng | Orlando Pirates | Left winger / Attacking midfielder | 21

Ten goals and eight assists in 27 league appearances in 2025-26. Scored his first senior hat-trick against TS Galaxy on 22 March. The subject of significant European transfer interest ahead of the summer window.

Evidence Makgopa | Orlando Pirates | Centre-forward | 25

Senior striker with a strong qualifying campaign, including a goal against Rwanda. Has 25 caps and is one of Broos's most trusted attacking options in tight matches.

Themba Zwane | Mamelodi Sundowns | Attacking midfielder | 36

The squad's oldest player and a Sundowns first-team regular for over a decade. Has not been at his best since returning from a long injury layoff but retains a place in the squad as an experienced creative option off the bench.

Lyle Foster | Burnley (relegated from Premier League) | Centre-forward | 25

Born in Soweto, came through the Orlando Pirates academy before moves to Monaco, Westerlo, and Vitória SC. Joined Burnley in January 2023. This season: three goals and two assists in 26 Premier League appearances. Around 10 international goals, the most of any player in this squad.

Thapelo Maseko | AEL Limassol (Cyprus) | Forward | 23

Former SuperSport United winger with a steady debut season in Cyprus. Provides wide cover and bench depth.

The numbers

Average age: 25.8. Eight from Sundowns, eight from Pirates, three from elsewhere in the PSL, seven abroad. Two players travel uncapped. Williams, Modiba, Mokoena, Mudau, and Makgopa have more than 200 caps between them. Foster leads the squad in international goals.

The likely XI against Mexico tonight

Williams; Mbokazi, Okon, Sibisi; Mudau, Mokoena, Mbatha, Modiba; Appollis, Foster, Mofokeng.