South Africans were glued to their screens on Monday afternoon as Hugo Broos unveiled his 36-man Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the announcement delivered exactly what fans have come to expect from the Belgian coach: curveballs, debate, and hope.
The tournament kicks off in Morocco on 21 December, and Broos wasted no time sending talking points rippling through football circles with two unexpected inclusions.
Surprise Returns Shake Up The Squad
One of the biggest shocks is the return of Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who has not featured for Bafana at all in 2025. His recall sparked excitement on social media, where many fans said the Minnesota-based attacker deserved another chance after a frustrating year hampered by inconsistency.
Themba Zwane’s inclusion also raised eyebrows. The veteran fan favourite has been managing injury concerns, but his football brain remains priceless. Elias Mokwana returns too, fresh off scoring for Al Hazem in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, despite also missing recent national team action.
For Broos, these decisions appear to be a reminder that experience still matters, especially heading into a December tournament loaded with continental heavyweights.
Veterans Anchor A Strong Core
The backbone of the squad carries the familiar names South Africans trust. Teboho Mokoena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sphephelo Sithole, and Ronwen Williams all made the cut after helping Bafana secure a memorable AFCON bronze medal back in January 2024.
Their presence signals Broos’ commitment to continuity, something he openly prioritised after South Africa’s encouraging World Cup qualifying performances.
Local fans reacted positively to the balance, with many praising the inclusion of a strong midfield unit ahead of what is widely considered one of the most difficult AFCON groups.
Rising Stars Look To Make Their Mark
This preliminary list could become historic for several young players. Sipho Mbule, Mohau Nkota, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and several others are in line for their potential AFCON debuts if they survive the final cut.
Nkota and Mbokazi in particular have generated significant online buzz. Their rapid rise from promising PSL performers to international hopefuls speaks to the growing depth in South African football.
Broos Warned Of “Painful” Decisions
If anyone was shocked by the bold selections, Broos has already explained himself. Speaking after Bafana’s recent friendly against Zambia, he admitted this squad would be tougher to finalise than the one from two years ago.
“We now have more than 23 players who deserve to go to AFCON,” he said. “I will make decisions, and some of them will be painful for the players and also for me.”
With competition fierce across every position, several tough calls lie ahead.
A Tough AFCON Group Awaits
Bafana have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, a trio that guarantees drama from the opening whistle. Broos’ men kick off their campaign on 22 December against Angola before facing Egypt four days later. Their final group match is a regional showdown with Zimbabwe on 29 December.
It’s a line-up that demands tactical discipline, mental toughness, and clinical finishing.
Camp Begins In Pretoria
The squad will report for camp on 8 December at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria as they sharpen their approach for what many believe could be Bafana’s biggest AFCON run in decades. The tournament concludes on 18 January 2026.
For now, the preliminary list has already ignited national conversation. From seasoned stalwarts to first-time hopefuls, Broos has assembled a group that reflects both ambition and evolution.
And if the early reactions are anything to go by, South Africans are ready for another unforgettable AFCON journey.
Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Ricardo Goss – Siwele FC, Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates FC, Renaldo Leaner – Sekhukhune FC, Darren Johnson – AmaZulu FC, Brandon Petersen – Kaizer Chiefs FC
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Fezile Ngcaba – Durban City FC, Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City FC, Thabo Molisane – Stellenbosch FC, Khululmani Ndamane – TS Galaxy FC, Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates FC, Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Keegan Allan – Amazulu FC, Vuyo Letlapa – Sekhukhune FC, Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates FC, Malibongwe Khoza – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB (Romania), Thapelo Morena – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Thabiso Monyane – Orlando Pirates FC, Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers (England), Fawaaz Basadien – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Bradley Cross – Kaizer Chiefs FC,Ime Okon – Hannover 96 (Germany), Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK (Norway)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Luke Le Roux – Portsmouth FC (England), Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates FC, Siphesihle Mkhize – Sekhukhune FC, Siphesihle Maduna – TS Galaxy FC, Ndamomelo Maphangule – Polokwane City FC, Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal), Masindi Nematjajela – Orlando Pirates FC, Mthetheleli Mthiyane – Stellenbosch FC, Themba Zwane – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Lyle Foster – Burnley FC (England), Puso Dithejane – TS Galaxy FC, Bongokuhle Hlongwane – Minnesota SC (USA), Tshepang Moremi – Orlando Pirates FC, Mihlali Mayambela – Aris Limassol (Cyprus), Ashley Cupido – Stellenbosch FC
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa – Orlando Pirates FC, Sipho Mbule – Orlando Pirates FC, Keletso Makgalwa – Sekhukhune FC, Shandre Campbell – Club Brugge (Belgium), Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates FC, Elias Mokwama – Al Hazem (Saudi Arabia), Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates FC, Kamogelo Sebelebele – Orlando Pirates FC, Patrick Maswanganyi – Orlando Pirates FC, Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns FC, Mduduzi Shabalala – Kaizer Chiefs FC, Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia)
Source: Various
Featured Image Source: Kickoff Mag on X
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