With only 40 days remaining until Bafana Bafana makes its historic return to the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head coach Hugo Broos is narrowing down his selection. While the core of the squad will be built around the current dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, several household names are facing a cold reality.
Three former PSL Players of the Year—men who once carried the hopes of the nation—are now almost certain to be left behind when the team jets off to North America.
1. Thembinkosi Lorch: The “Nyoso” Fade-Out
Once the most talked-about player in South African football, Thembinkosi Lorch’s international ambitions have stalled. Since his high-profile exit from Orlando Pirates in early 2024, his career has been a whirlwind of moves that failed to spark a Bafana recall.
- The Journey: After a quiet stint at Mamelodi Sundowns, Lorch moved to Wydad Casablanca and most recently joined Al-Ittihad SC in Libya.
- The Verdict: Despite finding more game time in North Africa, Hugo Broos recently confirmed to Robert Marawa that Lorch is not in his plans. Broos is prioritizing the “brothers” who fought through the qualification cycles over individual star power.
2. Percy Tau: The Fallen Lion of Judah
Perhaps the most shocking exclusion is Percy Tau. For nearly a decade, Tau was the face of South African football, but his “fall from grace” has been swift since the 2024 AFCON.
- Current Form: Now 31 and playing for Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in Vietnam, Tau has struggled to find his rhythm, scoring only once in nine appearances.
- The Broos Factor: Having been dropped from recent friendlies against Panama, it is clear Broos feels the striker is no longer the clinical force he once was. With the World Cup requiring peak fitness and intensity, the “Lion of Judah” looks set to watch from the sidelines.
3. Monnapule Saleng: A Star Eclipsed
Just two seasons ago, Monnapule Saleng was untouchable, sweeping awards and terrorizing defenders. Today, he finds himself on the periphery of the national conversation.
- The Decline: Saleng lost his starting spot at Orlando Pirates to rising stars like Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi. A loan move to Orbit College was followed by a permanent transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2026, but he has yet to reclaim his “Player of the Season” form.
- The Verdict: With South Africa boasting incredible depth in wide areas, Saleng has simply been overtaken by more consistent performers in the eyes of the national technical team.
