Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler says he doesn’t believe the Bafana Bafana 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad is the strongest selection available.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos announced a 25 man squad to travel to the African spectacle to be held in Morocco from 21 December-18 January 2026 that also included two U20 youngsters Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell.
There are some familiar faces that made it to the last event in Ivory Coast with some newer faces in the likes of Thabang Matuludi and Relebohile Mofokeng going to their first AFCON, while veteran Themba Zwane did not make the cut.
Broos also named three players on his standby list, consisting of Iqraam Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabo Moloisane. Bafana are in Group B at the tournament with COSAFA rivals Angola and Zimbabwe, and also Egypt.
Tinkler spoke to the media after his side’s 1-0 win over Magesi FC in the league in Seshego where was asked about Bafana’s chances in Morocco.
“I think we got a very tough group,” Tinkler answered an iDiski Times question.
“I have my own opinions, which I prefer to try and keep to myself. I don’t think we have the best squad selected.
“That’s just my view but hopefully we can finish higher than we did in the last campaign, but it’s going to be tough.
“The group we’re in is not an easy group, but it’s going to be about how we start that first game. They got a great chance I think.
“I think they got a chance of getting out of the group but it’s not going to be easy.”