Broos Leaves Zwane Out For AFCON Squad
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has left out kingpin Themba Zwane from the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, presumably due to his limited playing time.
Zwane has struggled with injuries at Mamelodi Sundowns, though he did make a brief appearance in their CAF Champions League draw against MC Alger in Algeria on Saturday.
Iqraam Rayners has been left on the standby. He was withdrawn from the Bafana squad for a friendly in October against Zambia due to medical reasons and has not impressed the coach. He is on the standby with Thabo Moloisane and Mdu Shabalala.
But they won’t be part of the squad in the tournament in Morocco.
However, Evidence Makgopa has been included after impressing in September when Bafana qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell have earned their first senior call-ups, despite not having played a match for the national team before.
Squad list
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumane Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Samukele Kabini, Tylon Smith
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas
Strikers: Mohau Nkota, Elias Mokwana, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Shandre Campbell, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa
“Some players have not played for two months, while others have been with us for some time,” said Broos.
“We have to look at the team balance, and that’s why you see some youngsters in the group.”
Bafana Bafana, drawn in Group B, will face Angola, Zimbabwe and Egypt.
They will open their tournament against Angola at the Stade de Marrakech on 22 December, followed by a clash against record champions Egypt — led by Mohamed Salah — on 26 December at Stade Adrar in Agadir.
They will complete their group-stage campaign against Zimbabwe in Marrakech three days later.
