With the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 fast approaching, head coach Hugo Broos has officially named his preliminary Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January.
As expected, Broos’ selection carries few surprises. The Belgian tactician has long been known for doing things his own way, and his 55-man list reflects exactly that – a calculated blend of familiar core players and fresh, untested talent. Several names return to the national setup after long absences, while others will be hoping to make their senior debut in Morocco.
Broos included approximately 13 unfamiliar faces in this expanded squad, signalling that competition for places remains wide open. Among those earning a call-up are Darren Johnson, Brandon Petersen, Fezile Gcaba, Ime Okon, Keegan Allan, Vuyo Letlapa, Tylon Smith, Bradley Cross, Siphesihle Mkhize, Siphesihle Maduna, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Puso Dithejane, and Shandre Campbell. These players, coming from both overseas clubs and the Betway Premiership, now stand a real chance of convincing Broos they belong in the final team.
The remainder of the squad consists largely of players the Bafana Bafana technical staff has relied on throughout Broos’ tenure. Ahead of the recent friendly against Mozambique, Broos emphasised that, unlike in previous years, he now has a wider talent pool to select from – a clear sign of growth and increased competitiveness within South Africa’s domestic league.
Broos also mentioned that while he values continuity and prefers to work with the group that has carried the team through recent progress, he is not closing the door on hungry, deserving players. His selections over time have shown a willingness to reward form, discipline, and commitment.
With only a few weeks left before the squad travels to Morocco, the competition for spots in the final 23-man squad is expected to intensify. Those who make the cut will do so purely on merit, as Broos aims to build a team capable of surpassing Bafana Bafana’s previous AFCON performance and pushing deeper into the tournament.
