Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 squad announcement has officially arrived. It ends weeks of speculation among South African football fans. Consequently, Head coach Hugo Broos named his final 25-man squad today. They will jet off to Morocco to compete in the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 later this month.

The announcement aired live on SABC Sport. It revealed a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent. Furthermore, Broos remained true to his philosophy. He rewards form and looks to the future. As a result, he made some bold calls that sparked debate across the nation.

Hugo Broos Names His Warriors for Morocco

The South Africa national team heads into this tournament with high expectations. They secured a bronze medal in the previous edition. Additionally, they maintained an unbeaten run in the qualifiers. Therefore, the final squad reflects consistency but also introduces fresh blood.

“We have to look to the future too,” Broos explained during the press briefing. He added, “This squad will not change much for the World Cup as well, so it is important to look to that too.”

The Surprise Inclusions

Notably, the biggest talking points from the Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 squad announcement involve two uncapped youngsters. They have turned heads abroad.

• Shandre Campbell: The 20-year-old winger currently plays for Club Brugge in Belgium. He earned his maiden call-up. Evidently, his exposure to the UEFA Champions League environment convinced Broos of his readiness.

• Tylon Smith: Another 20-year-old, Smith plays as a centre-back for Queens Park Rangers in England. Thus, his selection bolsters a defensive unit that faces Africa’s best attackers.

Moreover, these selections signal Broos’s intent. He wants to inject pace and European experience into the setup. Consequently, he moves away from relying solely on local-based players.

Notable Returns and Omissions

While new faces bring excitement, key personnel provide stability. Lyle Foster, the Burnley striker, returns to the mix. He missed the last AFCON due to mental health concerns. Undoubtedly, his Premier League experience will boost Bafana’s attack. Similarly, Saudi-based winger Elias Mokwana makes a welcome return.

However, the announcement caused some casualties. The most significant omission is Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane. The veteran “Mshishi” only just returned from injury. Therefore, Broos decided it poses too much risk to include him. Additionally, Orlando Pirates fan-favorite Patrick Maswanganyi missed the cut. This decision will likely divide opinion among the “Ghost.”

The Full 25-Man Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United).

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (both Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Tylon Smith (QPR, England), Rushwin Dortley (Kaizer Chiefs).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), Luke Le Roux (IFK Värnamo, Sweden).

Forwards: Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (both Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Elias Mokwana (Esperance, Tunisia), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium).

Standby Players: Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Grant Margeman (SuperSport United).

Group B: The Challenge Ahead

The South Africa national team sits in Group B. This tough pool features seven-time champions Egypt, neighbors Zimbabwe, and a resilient Angola side.

Bafana Bafana opens their campaign against Angola on December 22. Next, they face a massive clash against Egypt on Boxing Day, December 26. Finally, they conclude the group stages with a derby against Zimbabwe on December 29.

Broos feels confident about the squad’s depth. “We played good football in the qualifiers,” he noted. He emphasized the high tempo and chances created by the team recently.

Where to Watch?

For fans back home, SABC Sport remains the go-to platform. The public broadcaster confirmed that it will show all 52 matches of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025. Specifically, they will broadcast live on SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3, and the SABC Sports Channel.

This ensures that millions of South Africans can rally behind the team. Now, the squad shifts focus to the training camp in Tshwane. This begins on December 8, before the team departs for Morocco.