Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has named three players he thinks will be important for Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Bafana finished third at the last event in Ivory Coast and this time around they are in Group B with Angola who they open their tournament with on Monday, with Egypt and Zimbabwe also in the pool.
Khanye says Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule and Mbekezeli Mbokazi will be key for Hugo Broos’ led side. With the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Khanye says Mokoena is the player a coach builds a team around.
“The first player that’s going to be important in the squad is Teboho Mokoena,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
“You build a team around him. A very important player always consistent he commits himself. Teboho Mokoena is evergreen he gives it his all.
“The guy can score goals, he can defend he can play and he has improved. Playing in the Champions League year in year, winning the leagues and competing with the best players at Sundowns and being a star at the club.
“He is the guy you start with and he doesn’t get injured easily and I love that he is disciplined and committed.”
For Mbule Khanye highlights the Master Chef’s natural abilities, fearless heart, however would like to see him increase his work rate.
“Secondly Sipho ‘Zidane’ Mbule and well done to [Hugo] Broos for being able to play him in the best position and calling him Zidane because he is a similar type of player,” added Khanye.
“He is so naturally gifted it’s rare to find a player like him around the country, players with his mind. He was fearless in the Champions League when he was at Sundowns, he was a game changer when he didn’t start.
“I also saw him when Bafana played against Nigeria, against top class players who play in top class league. And for me he was Man of the Match in that game.
“He doesn’t deserve to be on the bench at [Orlando] Pirates and when he comes on he does things no one does. He just needs to be injury free and I’d like him to increase his work rate because he is a very important player for Bafana Bafana.”
The former South African junior international also has faith in young Mbokazi’s abilities, character and reliability.
“Mbekezeli Mbokazi one of the best players at an early age and you can’t think about him without thinking about Mbulelo [Mabizela],” said Khanye.
“The boy is on another level. He can deal with 1 vs 1 situations, he is a leader, he’s got a strong character, he scores goals.
“You saw him against Nigeria, rallying his teammates telling them to be strong his body language. You can rely on the boy.”
You can view Khanye’s full comments on Bafana Bafana’s chances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on IDiski TV official YouTube channel.