South Africa's Bafana Bafana Team Selected for Zambia Friendly

Hugo Broos names 23-man squad for Zambia match

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces 23-player squad for international friendly against Zambia on November 15.

“We are preparing for AFCON; it’s not the moment to be calling those players. Shandre is in the selection of 45–50 players...”

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his 23-player squad for the upcoming international friendly against Zambia, and it features some familiar faces. Broos has largely stuck with his trusted players, with Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng being one of the notable absentees. Mofokeng has only recently returned to action for Pirates after an injury, which might have contributed to his omission.

Broos is preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament next month and is looking to give some fringe players a chance to shine. Sekhukhune United midfielder Keletso Makgalwa has been called into the squad, reflecting Broos' desire to explore new talent. The squad will face Zambia on November 15 in Gqeberha as part of their preparations for AFCON.

Relebohile Mofokeng, a 21-year-old winger, is considered one of South Africa's brightest young talents, but he's currently facing a challenging season with Orlando Pirates. Despite his impressive performances last season, Mofokeng has struggled for form this campaign, featuring in 12 matches without scoring.

Mofokeng's difficulties have led to speculation about his future, with some questioning whether he'll make the cut for Bafana Bafana's upcoming fixtures. However, coach Hugo Broos remains optimistic about Mofokeng's potential, stating, “His qualities are still there, and I will not drop him like that.” Broos believes Mofokeng just needs to regain his confidence.

Meanwhile, the national team has called up several overseas-based players, including Molde defender Samukelo Kabini, Tondela midfielder Yaya Sithole, Al-Ettifaq winger Mohau Nkota, and Burnley striker Lyle Foster. These players bring valuable experience and skill to the team, and their inclusion could strengthen Bafana Bafana's squad for the upcoming matches.

Hugo Broos is building towards the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco next month, with an eye on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Bafana have just one game in this international window, a friendly against Zambia on November 15.

Broos has suggested he might give fringe players a run, using it as a final opportunity to train together before AFCON. “It is the last game where we can give chances to a few new players,” he said, indicating that the match will serve as a crucial preparation for the continental showpiece.

“We are preparing for AFCON; it’s not the moment to be calling those players. Shandre is in the selection of 45–50 players but changing things before a big tournament like AFCON is not a good idea,” he said.

Sekhukhune United midfielder Keletso Makgalwa has received a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad, thanks to his impressive performances in the Betway Premiership. Makgalwa, 28, has four assists in 11 league matches this season and is one of the newcomers in Hugo Broos' squad for the friendly against Zambia.

Shandre Campbell, who has played a few minutes for Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, has again been overlooked. Broos explained that with AFCON in mind, he doesn't want to make too many changes, indicating that Campbell's experience isn't crucial for the upcoming tournament.

Broos is looking to finalize his AFCON squad in early December, with the tournament kicking off on December 21. The friendly against Zambia is seen as a last chance for fringe players to impress and stake their claim for a spot in the AFCON squad.

“We are preparing for AFCON; it’s not the moment to be calling those players. Shandre is in the selection of 45–50 players but changing things before a big tournament like AFCON is not a good idea,” he said.

Bafana Bafana squad to face Zambia on 15 November 2025 in Gqeberha. #BafanaPride @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/Ldp1POTBdb

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 6, 2025

Hugo Broos explained that playing a single match was always the plan, considering the South African domestic season is in full swing. “The plan was always to play a single match,” he said, adding that players need rest rather than more games. Broos prioritizes the players' well-being, given the demanding schedule.

“Why only one game? It’s because of the overloaded programme in the PSL right now,” Broos said.

“Teams are playing every two days, and I wanted to save the players a bit from playing two more games for the national team. I would rather have one good game than two and risk fatigue for the players.”

Bafana Bafana has secured their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and will face tough opponents in Group B, including Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. Their AFCON journey begins on December 22 against Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrak Stadium in Marrakech, followed by a match against Egypt on December 26 in Agadir, and finally, they'll take on Zimbabwe on December 29 back in Marrakech.

Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, South Africa has impressive stats, having not lost any of their last 24 international matches. However, it's worth noting that their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March was overturned to a 3-0 loss due to the inclusion of ineligible player Teboho Mokoena. Broos is looking to build on this momentum as South Africa prepares for the World Cup qualifiers, with the draw scheduled for December.