Themba Zwane left out of Bafana Afcon squad – Is this the end of his national team career?
Ageing star Themba Zwane has been left out of Bafana Bafana's Africa Cup of Nations squad by head coach Hugo Broos
Image: Fadel Senna/AFP
Hugo Broos named his final Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month, and at the same time, gave a huge indication on who will be on the plane to North America for next year’s World Cup.
Perhaps the biggest name left out of Broos’ Afcon squad was that of Themba Zwane, the ageing maestro who had been pulling the strings for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns and was expected to be there.
The 36-year-old Mshishi’s poor luck with injuries over the past year, and Sipho Mbule’s resurgence in the same position surely made the decision easier for Broos to leave out one of his favourite players.
Broos has long maintained that he wanted to find a younger replacement for Zwane due to the midfielder’s age. Even before Zwane’s recent injury struggles, the Belgian coach spoke about the need to gradually transition the team, ensuring that Bafana Bafana could maintain creativity and stability in midfield without relying solely on the veteran. This Afcon squad, with the inclusion of Mbule, reflects that strategy, giving Broos a player capable of taking on Zwane’s creative responsibilities while injecting energy and dynamism into the side.
Sipho Mbule has gabbed his Bafana Bafana opportunity with both hands since being given another chance by head coach Hugo Broos.
Image: Backpagepix
Just last month, the Belgian made his desire known that he wanted to take both players to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Choosing Mbule over the seasoned but injury-prone Zwane is a bold move that should excite Bafana fans. Mbule comes into the squad brimming with form, energy, and creativity, ready to dictate play from midfield and inject dynamism into the team.
While Zwane’s experience is unquestionable, his recent fitness issues have limited his impact, making Mbule’s inclusion a chance for Bafana to build a more consistent, high-tempo midfield. Fans can look forward to quick transitions and sharper link-up play, and a younger player hungry to impress on the continental stage.
Those qualities would surely give Broos’ men the edge in tight encounters in Morocco.
Another Sundowns star who will not be in Morocco is left back Fawaaz Basadien, who after captaining the side in a friendly last June, would have thought his place in the squad was almost certain.
Basadien’s omission is due to the fact that he’s struggled for regular game time since moving from Stellenbosch FC to Sundowns. Speaking to the media a month ago, Broos warned Basadien that his place in the national team was no longer certain.
“He will not play AFCON in December if the situation stays like that,” the Belgian said at the time.
With the squad now confirmed, Broos heads into the Africa Cup of Nations with a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and hungry young talent. The selections signal a clear vision: a team capable of combining experience, creativity, and dynamism, while also giving rising stars a platform to shine on the continental stage.
Bafana fans can look forward to a tournament where energy, tactical discipline, and ambition will define the team’s performance in Morocco.
Bafana squad for Africa Cup of Nations
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Khulisso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazu, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Samkelo Kabini, Tylon Smith
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphephelo Sithole
Strikers: Mohau Nkota, Elias Mokwana, Sipho Mbule, Relebphile Mofokeng, Owsin Appolis, Tshebang Moremi, Evidence Magkopa, Lyle Foster, Shandre Campbell
On standby: Iqraam Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala, Thabo Moloisane
These are the players who missed out on selection: Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs), Fezile Ngcaba (Durban City), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Keegan Allan (AmaZulu), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siphesihle Mkhize (Sekhukhune United), Siphesihle Maduna (TS Galaxy), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Masindi Nemtajela (Orlando Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris), Ashley Cupido (Stellenbosch FC), Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United),
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