Injured but indispensable: Zwane makes Bafana’s AFCON cut

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially named his preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the first decisive step in South Africa’s preparations for what is expected to be one of the most competitive African tournaments in years.

The continental showpiece will be staged in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, and Bafana face a formidable path in Group B, where Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe await.

It is a demanding mix that places tactical discipline, depth and experience at a premium — all reflected in Broos’ early squad choices.

The headline inclusion is Themba Zwane, who despite limited minutes at Mamelodi Sundowns this season due to injuries, has been retained for his unmatched creative influence. Zwane was central to Bafana’s bronze-medal finish in Ivory Coast last year, and his selection suggests Broos still views the veteran as a key tournament asset.

Broos has kept faith with the core of that successful group. 

Captain Ronwen Williams, defensive pillars Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Nkosinathi Sibisi, as well as midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, continue to form the spine of the team. 

Versatile utility man Thapelo Morena, along with attackers Evidence Makgopa and Elias Mokwana, add further continuity. But the preliminary list also signals a strong generational transition. 

Orlando Pirates’ teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is included after a breakout year, joined by midfield anchor Thalente Mbatha and attacking prospects Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota. 

Their selection highlights Broos’ growing trust in the new wave of domestic talent.

Lyle Foster returns to the national setup after missing the previous AFCON, offering European pedigree in attack, while Iqraam Rayners is rewarded for his consistent form with Sundowns. 

Another standout is Oswin Appollis, whose transformation from fringe youth prospect at the previous AFCON to a key performer at Orlando Pirates has earned him a more prominent role.

Broos’ decision-making reflects a deliberate blend of stability and evolution. 

With AFCON and World Cup qualifiers in mind, the Belgian coach appears determined to retain the identity built over the past 18 months while refreshing the squad with players capable of raising the team’s overall ceiling.

The road ahead, however, is uncompromising. Bafana open their AFCON campaign against Angola on 22 December, a clash expected to set the tone for Group B. 

Four days later they meet continental powerhouse Egypt on 26 December, before concluding the group stage against Zimbabwe on 29 December.

Broos will finalise his 23-man squad in the coming weeks, with fitness, form and tactical suitability set to guide the final cut. For now, Bafana’s AFCON mission is officially underway — experienced, youthful, and braced for Morocco.

Bafana preliminary AFCON squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Renaldo Leaner, Darren Johnson, Brandon Petersen

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Fezile Ngcaba, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Khuljumani Ndamane, Mbebezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba

Midfielders: Ime Okon, Samulelo Kabini, Keegan Allan, Vuyo Letlapa, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Malibongwe Khoza, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thapelo Morena, Thabiso Monyane, Tyloni Smith, Fawaaz Basadien, Bradley Cross, Teboho Mokoena, Luke Le Roux

Forwards: Bathusi Aubbas, Thalente Mkatla, Siphesihle Mkhize, Siphesihle Maduna, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Siphephelo Sithole, Masindi Nemtajeia, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Oswin Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, Joram Rayners, Duduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Puso Dithejane, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Tshepang Moremi, Mihlali Mayambela, Ashley Cupido, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Keletso Makgalwa, Shandre Campbell, Relebogile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana