Bafana Bafana coach names AFCON squad — Zwane left out

Hugo Broos has confirmed his final 25-man Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, naming a largely familiar group while introducing a few notable surprises as South Africa prepares for another tilt at continental success.

Bafana enter the tournament carrying heightened expectations following their third-place finish at the previous edition, and Broos’ announcement now sets the tone for the final phase of preparation.

South Africa has been drawn in Group B and will open their AFCON campaign against Angola on December 22, before facing Egypt on December 26 and neighbours Zimbabwe in their final group fixture on December 29.

Broos has stuck closely to the backbone of the squad that featured prominently in the qualifying cycle, but the Belgian mentor also used this final announcement to signal the next chapter of his long-term rebuilding project.

Rising stars Shandre Campbell and England-based midfielder Tylon Smith were among the headline picks, both earning their first call-ups to a major international tournament.

Smith, who plays for Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship, is one of the youngest members of the squad. While he may not feature heavily, his inclusion is seen as an investment in South Africa’s broader competitive future. Campbell’s selection continues his rapid rise after standout domestic performances this season.

One of the biggest talking points from Broos’ announcement was the omission of 36-year-old Themba Zwane. The Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker recently returned from injury and featured in the CAF Champions League, but the coach opted not to include him as part of the travelling group. 

Broos had hinted in earlier press briefings that fitness and readiness would be central factors in his final decisions, and Zwane ultimately missed out as South Africa pivots towards a younger, faster profile in several positions.

The goalkeeping department also drew attention, with Ronwen Williams once again leading the line as the undisputed No. 1. Behind him, Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine complete the trio. Williams’ consistency at the club and international level makes him one of the most crucial figures in the squad as Bafana prepare for another gruelling continental campaign.

Defensively, Broos retained faith in his established central pairing while bringing in versatile options who can shift across the backline if needed. The midfield group features a blend of experience and emerging talent, with Broos emphasising balance, athleticism and tactical flexibility.

Up front, he opted for strikers who have shown recent sharpness at club level and can adapt to different game states in what is expected to be a fiercely contested group.

Broos also named three standby players — Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane — who will be on alert should any injuries arise before the squad departs.

The announcement signals the start of Bafana’s final preparations as they attempt to surpass the achievements of their last AFCON and chase a first continental title since 1996. With a clear blend of continuity and forward planning, Broos has now placed his selections on the table — and the countdown to Angola on 22 December officially begins.