Bafana Bafana Suffer Double Blow as Okon, Maswanganyi Withdraw from Squad

South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have suffered another blow, with two more players pulling out of the squad. Hannover centre-back Ime Okon, who has Nigerian roots, and Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi have both withdrawn from the team.

Head coach Hugo Broos has responded by drafting in Sipho Mbule and Thabo Moloisane as replacements. The Belgian tactician expressed frustration over the growing list of unavailable players, noting that injuries to key men have disrupted his plans for the crucial fixtures.

“This is one of the most difficult preparations I’ve had since I became Bafana Bafana coach. We are missing several important players through injury,” Broos told reporters.

South Africa, who sit top of Group C with 13 points from six matches, will face Lesotho away on Friday before returning to Bloemfontein to host Nigeria at the Free State Stadium next Tuesday.