Final Bafana squad reveal looms as AFCON 2025 nears

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will unveil his final 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during a live TV broadcast on Monday.

This year’s tournament is already breaking barriers, as CAF have, for the first time in history, allowed participating teams to submit larger squads of up to 28 players. SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said Broos is likely to stick with a 23-player selection, reflecting a more traditional approach.

While the squad selection period opens the door to potential surprises, expectations remain high that Broos will rely mainly on familiar faces, drawing from a pool of tried-and-tested talent.

The choice of players will be critical, as Bafana Bafana aims to make an impact at the tournament. Broos’ decisions could introduce fresh dynamics to the team’s strategy on the continental stage.

Ahead of the highly anticipated announcement, football writers from Independent Media have made their predictions for the final selection. Their insights reflect both hope and pragmatism, taking into account recent performances and the depth of talent within South African football.

Predicted squads

Herman Gibbs

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumani Ndamane, Samukelo Kabini

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Luke le Roux

Forwards: Lyle Foster, Mohau Nkota, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, Iqraam Rayners

Mihlali Baleka

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samkelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabang Matuludi

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Bathusi Aubaas, Sipho Mbule

Forwards: Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota

Smiso Msomi

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Brandon Petersen

Defenders: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumane Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samkelo Kabini

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Bathusi Aubaas, Sipho Mbule

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners

Matshelane Mabolo

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumani Ndamane, Samukelo Kabini, Aubrey Modiba

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule

Forwards: Lyle Foster, Mohau Nkota, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi