Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has announced his final 23-man squad to take on Uganda and South Sudan in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Belgian tactician has opted for a blend of experience and youth, with several new faces receiving their maiden call-ups to the national team.
South Africa will kick off their AFCON qualifying campaign with a home game against Uganda at Orlando Stadium on September 6th, before travelling to South Sudan four days later.
Key takeaways from the Bafana Bafana squad announcement:
- New Faces: Orlando Pirates duo Sipho Chaine and Thalente Mbatha have earned their first call-ups, signalling Broos’ intent to inject fresh blood into the squad. Chaine’s inclusion comes as a replacement for the injured Ronwen Williams, while Mbatha’s selection highlights his impressive performances for the Buccaneers.
- Williams’ Absence: Bafana Bafana captain and first-choice goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, misses out due to injury. His absence will be a significant blow for the team, but it presents an opportunity for Chaine and other goalkeepers to stake their claim for the number one jersey.
- Experienced Core: The squad retains a core of experienced players who played pivotal roles in South Africa’s bronze medal finish at the 2023 AFCON. Percy Tau, Keagan Dolly, and Teboho Mokoena are among the key players expected to lead the team’s charge for qualification.
- Youthful Exuberance: Broos has also included several promising youngsters in the squad, indicating his commitment to building for the future. These young players will be eager to impress and prove their worth at the international level.
- Positive Momentum: South Africa is currently unbeaten in 10 games under Broos, and the team will be looking to carry this positive momentum into the AFCON qualifiers. The Belgian coach has instilled a sense of belief and confidence in the squad, and they will be aiming to secure maximum points from their opening two games.
Overall, the squad announcement has generated excitement among Bafana Bafana fans. Broos’ selection reflects a balance between experience and youth, and the team will be confident of securing positive results against Uganda and South Sudan. The AFCON qualifiers represent an important step towards South Africa’s goal of qualifying for the continental showpiece in 2025, and the team will be determined to get their campaign off to a flying start.
Related article: Five Newcomers in Bafana Bafana Preliminary AFCON Squad
