Bafana Bafana AFCON Squad: South Africa Unveils Final 25-Man Lineup
South Africa's Hugo Broos names uncapped duo Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell in final squad for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“We have to look to the future too, and have players who will train with us and get a feel of the national team...”
South Africa's coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his final 25-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and it's got some exciting news - two uncapped youngsters, Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell, have made the cut. These 20-year-olds are bringing some fresh energy to the team, with Smith playing as a centre-back for Queens Park Rangers and Campbell winging it for Club Brugge in Belgium.
Broos' decision to include these young guns is a bold move, aiming to balance experience with future potential. “I'm also looking a little to the future with this selection,” Broos said, hinting at the team's long-term goals. The squad features a mix of seasoned players and new talent, with nine players surviving from the squad that finished third in the last Cup of Nations finals.
Here's the breakdown of South Africa's squad
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Tylon Smith, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana, Shandre Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng.
“We have to look to the future too, and have players who will train with us and get a feel of the national team,” Broos said in announcing his squad. “This squad will not change much for the World Cup as well, maybe a few players, so it is important to look to that too.”
Queens Park Rangers' Smith and Club Brugge's Shandre Campbell are part of the latest squad updates. Campbell has UEFA Champions League experience with Club Brugge this season.
Right winger Elias Mokwana returns to the squad after playing in Saudi Arabia. Burnley's Lyle Foster also gets a call-up, adding to the team's attacking options.
Iqraam Rayners, Thabo Moloisane, and Mduduzi Shabalala are on stand-by for South Africa's AFCON squad. Rayners is currently with Mamelodi Sundowns, Moloisane plays for Stellenbosch FC, and Shabalala is with Kaizer Chiefs.
Themba Zwane, Sundowns' playmaker, missed out due to injury, and Orlando Pirates' Patrick Maswanganyi didn't make the cut, with coach Hugo Broos opting for other players.
The number of Mamelodi Sundowns players in the main squad is down to five, a drop from their previous contributions. Coach Hugo Broos had relied on Sundowns players during qualifying campaigns.
Orlando Pirates lead the way with nine players selected, showcasing Broos' squad balance. The full team will assemble on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his final squad for this month's Africa Cup of Nations in Morroco. Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane are on standby. The team will assemble in the coming days. #BafanaPride@CastleLagerSA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/5xAOwcP8uM
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 1, 2025
Friendly Fixture Planned
Hugo Broos is planning a friendly match for December 16 or 17, though the opponent is yet to be confirmed. This warm-up game will help South Africa prepare for the AFCON tournament.
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