South Africa head coach Hugo Broos on Monday named a squad dominated by home-based players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco.
Seventeen of the 28 players selected ply their trade in the South African Premiership, continuing Broos’ preference for local talent. In contrast, several major contender including former champions Senegal are expected to rely almost entirely on Europe-based stars.
The 73-year-old Belgian released a 28-man provisional list, which includes two travelling stand-bys, Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell, as well as three non-travelling alternates who will remain in South Africa.
Smith, a central defender with English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, and Campbell, a winger at Belgium’s Club Brugge, are not expected to feature on the pitch. However, Broos said he wanted them to “experience life as international footballers”.
Under CAF regulations, teams may register 28 players, though only 23 will be funded by the continent’s governing body during the tournament.
Broos has again placed his trust in domestic league performers, just as he did at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where Bafana Bafana finished an impressive third. His new squad features nine players from Orlando Pirates and five from league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Among the Pirates contingent is 20-year-old centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, widely reported to be close to a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire after the tournament.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster is the only call-up from a club competing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Ten players from the 2024 AFCON squad return, including captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who memorably saved four penalties in the quarter-final shootout against Cape Verde.
Speaking from Belgium in an interview with SABC, Broos said he hopes South Africa can “at least reach the semi-finals again”.
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, record seven-time champions Egypt, and Zimbabwe. The top two teams along with the four best third-placed finishers will advance to the knockout stage.
Squad list
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, capt.)
Defenders: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates); Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau (both Sundowns); Samukele Kabini (Molde/NOR); Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City); Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy); Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB/ROM)
Midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Thalenthe Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates); Bathusi Aubaas, Teboho Mokoena (both Sundowns); Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem/KSA); Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/POR)
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi (both Pirates); Lyle Foster (Burnley/ENG); Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq/KSA)
Travelling stand-bys: Tylon Smith (QPR/ENG), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge/BEL)
Non-travelling stand-bys: Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)
Coach: Hugo Broos (BEL)
AFP
