Broos Explains Why Smith And Campbell Made Bafana’s AFCON Squad
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he selected rising stars Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell with the future in mind — but admits the youngsters may not get any minutes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Broos also expressed surprise that Club Brugge did not release Campbell for the FIFA U/20 World Cup in Chile in October. In contrast, English Championship club QPR made Smith available, allowing South Africa to finish second in Group E behind the USA before bowing out to Colombia in the round of 16.
The veteran coach announced his final Bafana Bafana squad on Monday for the AFCON tournament in Morocco, raising eyebrows by including Smith and Campbell despite neither having made a senior national team appearance.
Campbell has enjoyed regular minutes for Club Brugge, featuring in 11 matches across all competitions this season.
Smith, who won Player of the Tournament when Amajita were crowned CAF U/20 AFCON champions in May, has played only once for Qeens Park Rangers — in an EFL Cup match against Plymouth — and has not featured in the last nine Championship fixtures.
Broos said the pair were chosen as part of long-term planning rather than short-term expectations.
“Tylon played at the AFCON, and it was surprising that Club Brugge didn’t release Campbell for the U/20 World Cup,” Broos said.
“But I think this is a great opportunity for both players to adapt to a higher level. They need to see what happens in Bafana Bafana training and understand the demands of senior international football.
“I selected them because of their qualities, but we cannot rely on them to play matches. If the opportunity comes, we can give them minutes. The priority is for them to gain experience and feel what it means to be a Bafana Bafana player.
“That’s why I included them — for the AFCON, but also with the future in mind. This can make their transition into the senior team much smoother.”
Bafana Bafana, who won bronze at last year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast, have been drawn in Group B and will face Angola, Zimbabwe and Egypt.
Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 Group Fixtures:
- 22 December: South Africa vs Angola – Stade de Marrakech
- 26 December: South Africa vs Egypt – Stade Adrar, Agadir
- 29 December: South Africa vs Zimbabwe – Marrakech
South Africa will be aiming to build on last year’s success, with Broos banking on a blend of experience and youthful potential to push Bafana Bafana further in Morocco.
