South Africans love a football debate, and whenever Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations squad is announced, social media becomes a lively battlefield of opinions. But this week, one of the country’s most respected former defenders, Matthew Booth, offered a calm and confident voice in the noise.
Booth believes Hugo Broos has selected a squad capable of challenging for the AFCON 2025 title in Morocco later this month. It is a bold call, but one grounded in his belief that Bafana have finally found the balance and continuity they lacked for years.
A Balanced Squad With Real Possibilities
Booth looked closely at Broos’ 25-man list and liked what he saw. He praised the structure of the group, noting that even where the squad may have raised eyebrows for some fans, the depth makes tactical sense.
One of his main talking points was the left-back position. Broos named Aubrey Modiba and Kobamelo Kabini as his options, a move that initially surprised Booth. Kabini has been playing left-back in Norway, but Booth remembers him mostly as a centre-back during his time at TS Galaxy in the PSL. The versatility, Booth says, is a quiet advantage for South Africa.
He added that in the modern game, players can shift roles more fluidly. Many teams convert wingers into adventurous full-backs, something Bafana could explore if needed. That flexibility, he believes, strengthens Broos’ overall plan.
Tough Calls And Player Heartbreak
No squad announcement comes without heartbreak. Booth sympathised with Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Thapelo Morena, who missed out largely due to a lack of game time. Morena has struggled for minutes this season, appearing only briefly in continental action before spending most of the recent fixtures on the bench.
Booth understands Broos’ decision, though. Tournament football demands sharpness, rhythm and consistency.
Why Booth Wanted A Young Goalkeeper Included
While Booth supported the selection of Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine as the goalkeeper trio, he admitted he hoped Broos would sneak in a wildcard option. His pick would have been Fletcher Smyth-Lowe, the talented U20 shot stopper who plays abroad in Portugal and was crucial in Amajita’s U20 AFCON success.
Booth argues that the third goalkeeper spot is the safest place to take a calculated risk. Young goalkeepers rarely see action in tournament play, but they gain invaluable experience simply from being part of the environment.
It is a sentiment many fans have echoed online, where calls for youthful representation in national squads are growing louder, especially after the success of young stars at WAFCON and the recent rise of players like Relebohile Mofokeng.
Another AFCON Run On The Cards?
Bafana head to Morocco with confidence still lingering from their bronze medal finish nearly two years ago in Côte d’Ivoire. This time, they will face Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe in Group B, a draw that feels both challenging and familiar.
If Bafana deliver on the defensive solidity and attacking fluency they showed at AFCON 2023, South Africa may have more than just a fighting chance.
This could be the year the country dreams again.
Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Bafana Bafana on X
