Bafana surprise: Teen stars Campbell & Smith make AFCON squad

Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a 25-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, including youngsters Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers) and Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge) mainly for experience rather than to play.

Both did not participate in AFCON or 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and Broos will rely on the other 23 players for matches.

Several key players, including Mamelodi Sundowns stars Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane, and Thapelo Morena, missed out due to form, injuries, or lack of game time, while some are on standby.

From Grassroots to Greatness!🔥⚽️

Congratulations to South Africa’s very own Star Boys, Shandrè Campbell & Tylon Smith, for being called up to the preliminary Bafana Bafana Squad for the upcoming CAF AFCON tournament!

We’re backing them all the way!💪#TheSportYouCareAboutMost pic.twitter.com/zddA5vW3Ho

— SuperSport Schools (@ss_schools) November 25, 2025

Broos will attend the 2026 World Cup finals draw in the USA before returning to South Africa to prepare the squad.

Bafana Bafana will start their AFCON camp early December, aiming for a friendly on December 16 or 17, before facing Angola (Dec 22), Egypt (Dec 26), and Zimbabwe (Dec 29) in Group B.

Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith makes the final Bafana Bafana AFCON Squad 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Wow Hugo Broos

I didn’t see this coming 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽#BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/me78fcmAQG

— Shakes Rampedi (@ShakesRampedi) December 1, 2025

Squad highlights:

• Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine

• Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumani Ndamane, Samukelo Kabini, Tylon Smith

• Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphephelo Sithole

• Forwards: Mohau Nkota, Elias Mokwana, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Shandre Campbell, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa