BAFANA Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named a 23-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The national side, currently second in Group K with eight points, face a crucial double-header that will determine their qualification fate.
South Africa’s first match is a challenging away encounter against group leaders Uganda (10 points) at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday, 15 November, with kick-off set for 18:00.
They will then return home to face bottom-placed South Sudan, who have yet to earn a point in the qualifiers.
This fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 19 November at 18:00, will mark Bafana’s first game in Cape Town in nearly a decade.
Congo, with four points, sit third in the group standings.
Broos’ squad will convene this weekend, although players involved in the Carling Knockout semi-finals will join the camp on Monday before the team’s departure for Uganda on Tuesday.
Broos has opted for continuity and fresh opportunities, retaining Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine as goalkeeping options while handing a senior call-up to Sage Stephens for the first time.
In defence, Siyabonga Ngezana and Mothobi Mvala return after recovering from injuries, bolstering the squad’s backline.
Midfield prospects Thalente Mbatha and Luke Le Roux have earned Broos’ confidence, with Mbatha making his second consecutive appearance in the national squad.
Upfront, Evidence Makgopa is back to reinforce the attack in place of Lyle Foster, who is unavailable due to injury.
Broos emphasized the importance of focus and unity as Bafana prepares for this pivotal stage of the qualifiers. “Every point is crucial as we aim to secure our place in the 2025 AFCON.
“These matches require our absolute commitment, and I believe in the squad we have selected.”
BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD FOR AFCON QUALIFIERS:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sage Stephens, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Mothobi Mvala, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngezana
Midfielders: Tebogo Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke Le Roux, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards: Mihlali Mayambela, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Evidence Makgopa, Iqraam Rayners, Elias Mokwana, Thapelo Morena, Relebohile Mofokeng