Bafana Bafana’s surprising run to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bronze medal sent a wave of optimism crashing over South African football. But can they maintain that consistency in the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers, in which the tournament will be held in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026?

Building on Bronze: A Call for Consistency

The 2024 performance, under coach Hugo Broos, was lauded for its stability. Lucas Radebe, a Bafana Bafana legend, pointed to this very aspect as a key factor in their success. “I saw the consistency, something that is very important,” said Radebe. Radebe mentioned that Bafana Bafana has the right elements to qualify for the World Cup.

However, consistency has been Bafana’s Achilles’ heel for years. They’ve often struggled to replicate strong performances. The upcoming qualifiers will be a true test of Broos’ ability to instil a winning mentality that transcends individual tournaments. Can he develop a playing style and team spirit that functions effectively over a longer period?

A Manageable Group, But No Room for Complacency

The good news? Bafana Bafana’s qualifying group appears manageable on paper. They’ll face Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan. Uganda and Congo are familiar foes, with both teams having experienced squads. South Sudan, a relatively new participant in major tournaments, shouldn’t be underestimated either.

But South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan warns against complacency and underestimating opponents. “Dynamics have changed,” said Jordaan, urging the team to respect every opponent. Every point will be crucial, as the top two teams from each group qualify for the finals, with the runners-up from all groups except the host nation also progressing (Morocco automatically qualifies).

Key Ingredients for Continued Success in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers

Building on the momentum of 2024 is crucial. Maintaining a strong core group of players and a settled tactical approach will be vital. Injuries and suspensions can disrupt any team’s rhythm, so squad depth will also be a factor. Can fringe players step up and provide cover when needed?

The Answer Lies on the Pitch

Ultimately, the answer lies on the pitch. Can Bafana Bafana translate their 2024 AFCON experience into consistent qualifying victories? The hunger for a first Afcon title since 1996 burns bright, but replicating their 2024 form is the first hurdle. Only time will tell if Broos’ men can answer the call and lead South Africa back to the continental showpiece.