Bafana Bafana go into the 2025 AFCON as strong title contenders. Hugo Broos will rely heavily on Orlando Pirates players, especially in attack.
With a healthy mix of local and overseas-based players, the Belgian mentor will need to strike that delicate balance.
Best Bafana Bafana XI of players in the Betway Premiership
Williams; Mudau, Sibisi, Ndamane, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Moremi, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa
Skipper Ronwen Williams is the obvious choice in goal, but Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine is a more than capable back-up.
The Buccaneers seem odds-on to win this season’s Betway Premiership title, and that’s reflected in the final South Africa squad heading to Morocco.
A potential front four comprising only Orlando Pirates players looks like a ferocious prospect. The age profile of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Bucs squad also hints at local dominance for years to come.
Full Bafana Bafana squad for 2025 AFCON
Twenty five players have been called up for AFCON duty, while three remain on standby.
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
- Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC
Defenders
- Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Nkosinathi Sibisi – Pirates
- Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy
- Thabang Matuludi – Polowkane City
- Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire
- Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Samukelo Kabini – Molde
- Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Thalente Mbatha – Pirates
- Sphephelo Sithole – Tondela
Forwards
- Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates
- Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq
- Sipho Mbule – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates
- Elias Mokwana – Al Khazem
- Shandre Campbell – Club Brugge
- Lyle Foster – Burnley
- Tshepang Moremi – Pirates
- Evidence Makgopa – Pirates
Three players have been placed on standby to train in South Africa in case of injury:
- Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Mduduzi Shabalala – Kaizer Chiefs
- Thabo Moloisane – Stellenbosch