Bafana boss turns to four debutants for Afcon qualifiers as injured Williams, Tau miss out

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, set to kick off next week.

Fresh off a commendable bronze finish at this year's delayed Afcon, South Africa is set to battle for a spot in the next tournament from Group K, where they'll face Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.

Belgian-born coach Broos will see his Bafana troops open their Afcon qualifying account against Uganda on Friday, 6 September (18:00) at Orlando Stadium.

The team will then embark on a journey to Central East Africa, gearing up for a fascinating encounter with South Sudan on Tuesday, 10 September (15:00) at the Juba Stadium.

Broos has preserved the core of his squad while infusing new energy with fresh faces, striking a dynamic balance as South Africa aim to secure their place in the continental showdown that is set to take place in Morocco next year (21 December - 18 January).

The 71-year-old Broos has trimmed his 38-man preliminary squad, making the difficult decision to leave out captain and heroic goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery.

Stepping in for the first time is Sipho Chaine, joined by debutants Fawaaz Basadien, Thalente Mbatha, and Rushwin Dortley - who earned his first cap during the Cosafa Cup earlier this year but now receives his first official call-up from Broos.

Notably absent is Percy Tau, who has been the subject of transfer speculation away from Egyptian giants Al Ahly and will not be part of this squad.

The rest of the squad remains largely unchanged, with Lyle Foster, Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekena, and veteran Themba Zwane all making their return.

Broos, alongside his technical team and the 23 selected players, will convene for a pre-match camp