PSL club confirm striker late Bafana Bafana call-up

Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has been called up to the Honour-sponsored Bafana Bafana squad for South Africa’s vital 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, following injury concerns over Lyle Foster.

The club confirmed the late inclusion on their official website.

Cupido returns to the national team for the first time since June 2025, when he scored his debut goal in a friendly win over Mozambique. The 24-year-old forward, who has six senior caps, was also part of the squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.

South Africa currently sits second in Group C, making Tuesday’s clash at Mbombela Stadium (18h00 kick-off) a must-win to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.

MOLOISANE REPLACES MBOKAZI

Cupido joins fellow Stellenbosch teammate Thabo Moloisane, who was added to the squad in place of suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi, sent off in the goalless draw against Zimbabwe.

This marks Moloisane’s second successive call-up, having featured in last month’s 3-0 win over Lesotho. Coach Hugo Broos now faces a selection dilemma at centre back, with Moloisane, Sibisi, Khoza, and Ndamane all in contention.

PREDICTED BAFANA BAFANA XI v RWANDA

Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Moloisane, Sibisi, Mokoena, Sithole, Mbule, Apollis, Nkota, Cupido