South Africa has become the first country to unveil its provisional squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and the announcement has underlined one clear reality: Mamelodi Sundowns remain the heartbeat of Bafana Bafana.
Coach Hugo Broos released a 54-man preliminary squad on Monday, and while home-based players dominated the list, it was Mamelodi Sundowns — runners-up in last season’s CAF Champions League and Africa’s most dominant club of the past decade — who supplied some of the most influential names.
With 10 Sundowns players included, the club once again proves its unmatched depth, quality, and consistency in producing elite talent for the national team. The champions’ representation rivals that of Orlando Pirates, who contributed 13 players, but the significance of Sundowns’ presence lies in their continued dominance of South African and continental football.
Among the standout inclusions is Themba Zwane, the 36-year-old Sundowns playmaker who, despite battling long-term knee injuries since last season, remains indispensable to Bafana Bafana. His creativity and leadership were critical in helping South Africa reach the semi-finals at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, and Broos appears unwilling to risk a campaign without him.
The South African Football Association says the final 23-man squad will be confirmed “in the coming days,” well ahead of CAF’s December 11 deadline for all participating nations.
The preliminary list includes 12 foreign-based players, with the bulk of the squad reflecting the strength of South Africa’s domestic league — and particularly, its dominant champions.
South Africa’s Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2025 (Selected)
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest); Ime Okon (Hannover 96)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns); Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela); Luke le Roux (Portsmouth)
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns); Lyle Foster (Burnley); Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United)
With Mamelodi Sundowns continuing to set the pace in African club football, their strong influence on Bafana Bafana’s AFCON ambitions comes as no surprise.
As the countdown to Morocco 2025 intensifies, all eyes will be on whether South Africa’s most dominant club can transfer its winning DNA to the national team — and inspire a deep run at the continent’s premier tournament.
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