Broos: Mofokeng Is Not In The Bafana AFCON Squad Now
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted that star attacker Relebohile Mofokeng is not included in his Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad at the moment, admitting that it will be difficult decision to finalise the team in December.
Bafana will play the final friendly match before the AFCON against the Chipolopolo on 15 November at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, and Mofokeng is not part of it due to the injury.
Broos said he is confident about 75% to 80% of his final squad, but some decisions still need to be made in the next month.
“I think for now, 75% or 80% of the squad I know, it’s already in my head, and then the rest we will see what happens in the next month,” Broos said.
“I think before the 8 December, I will announce the final squad for the trip to AFCON.”
The Belgian coach acknowledged that making the final cut will not be an easy task, especially given the strong performances from some players.
“I will announce the final 23-man squad during the first week of December, but I believe it will not be easy,” he said.
Broos highlighted the difficulty in choosing between players, citing the absence of some notable names from the current squad.
“Some decisions, when you see the squad now and you see who is not there… (Relebohile) Mofokeng is not there now, (Siyabonga) Ngezana is not there, and a few others are not there,” he stated.
“So, I have to make choices, and those choices will be made the moment I have to make them.”
The former Cameroon national team mentor drew comparisons to the previous AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast, where squad selection was less complicated.
“It was easier two years ago when we were going to AFCON in Ivory Coast; I didn’t have those problems, but it’s my job, and it will be difficult on some occasions to choose between A and B, then choices have to be made, and we will do it.”
Bafana Bafana, who are in Group B in the AFCON with Angola, Zimbabwe, and Egypt, will be aiming to build on their bronze medal triumph in the last edition.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying spot already secured, the AFCON presents an opportunity for the team to make a statement and prove their worth on the continental stage.
