By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a 50-man preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Broos will trim the squad to 23 players in the beginning of the new year shortly before departure to Ivory Coast.
The 34th edition of the biennial continental tournament will take centre stage from January 13 to February 11 2024.
Broos’ charges will assemble for camp on January 4 and then travel to Stellenbosch for a training camp that will last until January 9.
South Africa secured qualification for the continental showpiece after topping their Group K ahead of World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.
Bafana are in one of the toughest groups in the tournament, as they are pitted against Tunisia, Mali, and neighbours Namibia in Group E.
South Africa will take on Lesotho in a training match behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville before departing for Côte d’Ivoire on 11 January 2024.
Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad List
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu FC], Melusi Buthelezi [Orlando Pirates], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United], Bruce Bvuma [Kaizer Chiefs]
Defenders
Sydney Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thabiso Monyane [Orlando Pirates], Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Given Msimango [Kaizer Chiefs], Bradley Cross [Golden Arrows], Thapelo Maseko [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyabonga Ngezana [FCSB], Thapelo Xoki [Orlando Pirates], Themba Mantshiyane [Golden Arrows], Ime Okon [SuperSport United], Thapelo Morena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Terrence Mashego [Mamelodi Sundowns], Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns], Fawaaz Basadien [Stellenbosch]
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Grant Margeman [SuperSport United], Jayden Adams [Stellenbosch], Njablu Blom [St. Louis City SC], Miguel Timm [Orlando Pirates], Thabang Monare [Orlando Pirates], Sibongiseni Mthethwa [Kaizer Chiefs], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns], Goodman Mosele [Chippa United] Sphephelo Sithole [Tondela], Ethan Brooks [AmaZulu], Patrick Maswanganyi [Orlando Pirates], Mlungisi Mbunjana [TS Galaxy]
Forwards
Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Evidence Makgopa [Orlando Pirates], Khanyiso Mayo [Cape Town City], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebogang Mothiba [ RC Strasbourg], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Tshepang Moremi [AmaZulu], Elias Mokwana [Sekhukhune United], Bongokhule Hlongwane [Minnesota United], Oswin Appollis [Polokwane City], and Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch].