AFCON 2025 Squad News - South Africa Announces 25-man Final Roster

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 03 Dec 2025

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John Eastwood 03 Dec 2025

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South Africa names a 25-man squad for AFCON.
Key exclusions: Themba Zwane and Iqraam Rayners.
Uncapped duo called up for experience.

South Africa's coach Hugo Broos has named his squad for the upcoming AFCON (Getty Images).

Broos Names 25-man Final Squad

South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos has named his 25-man final squad for the African Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Broos Names 25-man Final Squad
South Africa’s Final Squad in Full
Key Omissions
Broos Explains Calling up Uncapped Duo

CAF rules allow a minimum of 23 players to be named, but a maximum of 27 can be called up. Bafana Bafana have decided that 25 is the ideal number to take to the tournament.

South Africa’s Final Squad in Full

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Tylon Smith (QPR)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates),

Forwards: Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge)

Standby List: Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabo Maloisane (Stellenbosch)

Key Omissions

Coach Hugo Broos’ key omissions from his final squad include veteran attacking midfielder Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns. The playmaker was key to Bafana Bafana finishing third in the last AFCON.

Other players who were left out include Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners and in-form Wydad Casablanca attacking midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch.

Broos Explains Calling up Uncapped Duo

The coach went on to explain why he has called up the uncapped young duo, Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell:

“So, if I can come back again to Tylon [Smith] and to Shandre [Campbell], we have 23 players on which I will count for 100%, and those two are there to have the experience.

“They just have to learn. And I think this is a great opportunity for them to be there.”