Zwane’s heartfelt return to Mamelodi Sundowns still leads to AFCON heartbreak

In a bittersweet twist of fate, Themba Zwane, the celebrated forward for Mamelodi Sundowns, made a much-anticipated return to the football pitch on Friday during the CAF Champions League match against Algerian hosts MC Alger.

Yet, this well-deserved comeback proved too little, too late for the 36-year-old striker, who has been left out of Bafana Bafana’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco later this month.

Zwane’s brief appearance, lasting the final two minutes of a goalless encounter, was a heartening sight for fans and a testament to his perseverance and dedication to regaining match fitness.

National team coach Hugo Broos, however, opted against including him in the 25-man squad announced on Monday, citing the need for immediate readiness just weeks before the tournament.

“We don’t have time to get the injured players fit,” Broos explained, setting the tone for his selection strategy.

The absences do not stop at Zwane. Broos also chose to omit other experienced players, including Thapelo Morena and Iqraam Rayners, in favour of younger talent.

The unexpected inclusion of 20-year-olds Shandre Campbell from Club Brugge and Tylon Smith from Queens Park Rangers injects not only a fresh dynamic into the team but also a forward-thinking approach aimed at shaping the future of South African football.

“I’m also looking a little to the future with this selection,” Broos noted, revealing his ambition for the national side.

Convening a squad with a blend of experience and youth is crucial, as evidenced by Broos’s decision to rely on nine players returning from the previous AFCON, where South Africa secured a commendable third place in the Ivory Coast.

“We have to do at least the same thing we did at the last Cup of Nations finals,” he asserted, demonstrating his intent for an improved performance in the upcoming tournament.

As South Africa prepares to kick off its AFCON campaign on December 22 against Angola in Marrakech, they finds themselves grouped with powerhouses Egypt and Zimbabwe. Broos has emphasised the critical nature of their opening match, reflecting on the team’s previous struggles at AFCON when an early defeat left them on the brink of elimination.

“Let me be clear, we have to get past the group stage. It’s very important to win the first game,” Broos reiterated, instilling urgency and confidence within the squad.

“Angola are a very technical team, but from what I’ve seen of them, we can beat them,” he concluded, rallying his players as they embark on their AFCON journey.

Broos announced the squad from his native Belgium, where he will depart for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC. After that, he will return to Mzansi to lead preparations for AFCON, starting with the national team camp on Monday in Johannesburg.

Bafana Bafana 25-man squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss

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

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

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana, Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell