South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos, has taken an early step in the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by releasing an extensive preliminary squad for the tournament in Morocco. In doing so, Broos becomes the first coach to officially roll out his provisional list ahead of the continental showpiece scheduled for 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
True to expectations, the Belgian tactician has leaned heavily on his trusted core of locally based stars, particularly those from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who dominate the squad sheet. Only a dozen players plying their trade abroad have been included, signalling Broos’ continued confidence in the domestic league’s depth and competitiveness.
CAF has set 12 December as the deadline for coaches to submit their final 23-man selections, giving Broos ample time to trim his group and fine-tune preparations.
Bafana Bafana will be eager to build on the momentum from their impressive run at the last AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where they clinched a well-earned bronze medal. With a blend of experience, rising talents, and new faces breaking through, the provisional squad offers both stability and fresh competition for places.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad.
South Africa 🇿🇦 @10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @SABC_Sport @SAFA_net pic.twitter.com/WhqAbk4Lr7
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 24, 2025
South Africa Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders
Keegan Allan (AmaZulu), Fawaaz Basadien (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Samukelo Kabini (Molde – Norway), Malingonwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch), Thabiso Monyane (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Fezile Ngacaba (Durban City), Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest – Romania), Ime Okon (Hannover 96 – Germany), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers – England)
Midfielders
Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Luke le Roux (Portsmouth – England), Siphesihle Maduna (TS Galaxy), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Siphesihle Mkhize (Sekhukhune United), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mthetheleli Mthinyane (Stellenbosch), Masindi Nemtajela (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela – Portugal)
Forwards
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge – Belgium), Ashley Cupido (Stellenbosch), Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy), Lyle Foster (Burnley – England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United – USA), Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Patrick Maswanaganyi (Orlando Pirates), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol – Cyprus), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem – Saudi Arabia), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq – Saudi Arabia), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns).
