Bafana squad: Broos summons Chiefs' newbie Mthethwa, Pirates' Mako for Ivory Coast duel

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled a 23-man squad for upcoming international friendly matches against Eswatini and Ivory Coast.

Notable selections include Kaizer Chiefs' new signing, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, and Orlando Pirates defender Paseka Mako, who have earned a spot in the squad.

Additionally, Khuliso Mudau, Njabulo Blom, Tebogo Mokoena, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane are set to make a return to the squad after being previously sidelined due to injuries and travel-related issues.

The squad is scheduled to convene in Johannesburg on Sunday, 8 October in preparation for the first fixture against 'Sihlangu Semnikati', which is slated for Friday, 13 October, at an unconfirmed venue, likely in Gauteng.

Following this match, Bafana Bafana will travel to Abidjan over the weekend to face Ivory Coast, the host nation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), on Tuesday, 17 October.

In addition to these matches, the Afcon draw is set to take place on Thursday, 12 October, in Abidjan, where South Africa will be placed in pot 3. This draw will determine the groups and opponents for the Afcon tournament, which is scheduled for January/February.

Bafana Bafana 23-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Paseko Mako (all Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole (C.D. Tondela, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Blom (St Louis FC, USA), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs)

Forwards: Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Percy Tau (Al Ahly,