Broos announces Bafana Bafana AFCON squad

by Staff Reporter

Monday Dec 01, 2025. 13:59

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The continental showpiece will take place from 21 December to 18 January.

The longest-serving coach of Bafana Bafana cut down his 54-man preliminary squad to a 25-man traveling squad for the tournament.

Youngsters Tylon Smith, who was named Player of the Tournament at the U-20 AFCON in May, and Shandre Campbell have been included in Broos’ squad despite not having been capped for the senior national team yet, showing the former Belgian international’s commitment to developing youth.

Elias Mokwana, who has not played for South Africa since its AFCON qualifiers in November 2024, has also been included.

Khulumani Ndamane, who has four caps for the national team, and Thabang Matuludi, who has one cap to his name, were also named in the final squad.

One big surprise omission from the final squad was Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners, who played in three of Bafana Bafana’s six FIFA World Cup qualifiers this year. He was forced to pull out of the squad for the final two qualifying matches due to a health issue but has since returned to full health.

He is included as a non-travelling reserve alongside Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala and Stellenbosch’s Thabo Moloisane, who recently notched 100 caps for his club.

Mamelodi Sundowns and former Bafana Bafana captain Themba Zwane was not included either as he has struggled with injury this year. He has appeared in only three of Sundowns’ twelve league games this season.

Bafana Bafana’s preparation will begin on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Broos.

By Nic Gleeson

South Africa 2025 AFCON squad:

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns

Siphio Chaine – Orlando Pirates

Ricardo Goss – Siwelele

Defenders

Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns

Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates

Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates

Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns

Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City

Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB (Romania)

Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy

Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK (Norway)

Tylon Smith – QPR (England)

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns

Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates

Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns

Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)

Attackers

Mohau Nkota – Al-Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia)

Sipho Mbule – Orlando Pirates

Elias Mokwana – Al-Hazem (Saudi Arabia)

Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates

Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates

Tshepang Moremi – Orlando Pirates

Shandre Campbell – Club Brugge (Belgium)

Lyle Foster – Burnley FC (England)

Evidence Makgopa – Orlando Pirates