With exactly 20 days to the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, South Africa have stolen a march on the rest of the continent after head coach Hugo Broos became the first manager to officially unveil his final tournament squad.
The Belgian tactician on Monday released a 25-man list that blends proven international quality with a bold injection of youth, as Bafana Bafana aim to surpass their impressive third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
Broos retained nine players from the bronze-winning team, including AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament Ronwen Williams, while also handing opportunities to two uncapped 20-year-olds — Shandre Campbell of Club Brugge and Queens Park Rangers’ Tylon Smith. Both youngsters have had limited senior action this season, yet the coach insists their inclusion is part of a long-term plan.
“I’m also looking a little to the future with this selection,” Broos said. “We have to do at least the same as we did at the last Cup of Nations, which is reaching the semi-finals. We’re going with a lot more experience now, and the team has become far more mature over the last two years.”
South Africa, who have already qualified for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, will open their AFCON campaign on December 22 against Angola in Marrakech. They share Group B with Egypt and Zimbabwe.
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders:
Samukele Kabini (Molde), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)
Midfielders:
Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)
Forwards:
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq)
Broos’ early announcement sets the tone ahead of the continental showpiece, with Bafana Bafana now turning full attention to fine-tuning preparations for a tournament they hope will mark another chapter in their renewed rise.
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