Here is Bafana Bafana’s squad: Surprises, omissions, and veterans included

Hugo Broos

Cape Town – Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named a 54-player preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talents as South Africa prepares for a highly competitive Group B featuring Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, 36, has been included despite limited game time for Mamelodi Sundowns this season due to injuries.

Zwane was central to South Africa’s third-place finish at the last Afcon in Ivory Coast.

Other stalwarts retained from the previous tournament include captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, defenders Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Nkosinathi Sibisi, utility player Thapelo Morena, midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, and forwards Evidence Makgopa and Elias Mokwana.

The squad also highlights rising stars and new performers. Oswin Appollis, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Iqraam Rayners are among those expected to play key roles.

Additional options in defence include Thabo Moloisane, Khulumani Ndamane, Thabang Malutudi, Malibongwe Khoza, Ime Okon, and Tylon Smith.

Other young and fringe players vying for a place in the final squad include Brandon Petersen, Masindi Nemtajela, Puso Dithejane, Ashley Cupido, Keletso Makgalwa, Mududuzi Shabalala, Tshepang Moremi, and Shandre Campbell. Notably absent is Percy Tau, who has played in Vietnam this year and fallen out of national favour.

Safa met the CAF deadline last Friday for submitting provisional squads, with final 23-player lists due by December 11.

Broos’ squad will kick off Afcon on December 22 against Angola in Marrakesh, face Egypt on December 26 in Agadir, and conclude the group stage against Zimbabwe back in Marrakesh on December 29.

Bafana’s strong recent form includes an impressive run at the last Afcon, shocking 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco in the last 16, narrowly losing to Nigeria on penalties in the semifinals, and defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third-place playoff.

The team has since qualified for the 2026 World Cup, setting the stage for Afcon 2025 as a key preparatory tournament.

Preliminary squad breakdown:

  • Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Renaldo Leaner, Darren Johnson, Brandon Petersen

  • Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Fezile Ngcaba, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba

  • Midfielders: Ime Okon, Samulelo Kabini, Keegan Allan, Vuyo Letlapa, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Malibongwe Khoza, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thapelo Morena, Thabiso Monyane, Tyloni Smith, Fawaaz Basadien, Bradley Cross, Teboho Mokoena, Luke Le Roux

  • Forwards: Bathusi Aubbas, Thalente Mkatla, Siphesihle Mkhize, Siphesihle Maduna, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Siphephelo Sithole, Masindi Nemtajeia, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Oswin Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, Joram Rayners, Duduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Puso Dithejane, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Tshepang Moremi, Mihlali Mayambela, Ashley Cupido, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Keletso Makgalwa, Shandre Campbell, Relebogile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana

Bafana Bafana aim to build on their recent momentum and use Afcon 2025 as a springboard for their World Cup campaign next year.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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