By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his 23 players to take on Uganda and South Sudan in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The squad announcement took place at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park on Thursday, 7 November 2024.
Broos left out Mamelodi Sundowns striker Themba Zwane who is out due to injury on domestic front – replaced by Mihlali Mayambela of Aris Limmasol FC, joining Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns amongst the eight forwards.
There was also a return of Sundowns defender Mothibi Mvala. Broos will hope Mvala can add some stability to the defence that has leaked a worrying amount of goals since the AFCON finals.
South Africa are pitted in Group K alongside Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda for the AFCON qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana are set to take on Uganda away from home on Friday, 15 November and battle out with South Sudan at Cape Town Stadium four days later.
The top two countries from the group will secure their places in the 2025 AFCON. The tournament will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 until 18 January 2026.
Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams, Sage Stephens, Sipho Chaine
Defenders
Nyiko Mobbie, Mothobi Mvala, Rushwin Dortley, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngezana
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke Le Roux, Thalente Mbatha
Strikers
Mihlali Mayambela, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Evidence Makgopa, Iqraam Rayners, Elias Mokwana, Thapelo Morena, Relebohile Mofokeng.