Johannesburg – South Africa coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with domestic giants Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns providing the bulk of the selection for the continental showpiece.
The tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco later this month and running into January 2026, will see Bafana Bafana compete under revised squad regulations that permit teams to name up to 28 players, a significant increase from the traditional 23-man limit.
Whilst the Confederation of African Football will cover expenses for 23 players, national federations must fund any additional selections beyond that threshold. This expanded format provides coaches with greater depth to manage potential injuries and tactical adjustments throughout the competition. Several nations, including Egypt, have already taken advantage of the new rules by announcing full 28-player rosters.
South Africa’s selection features a strong contingent from Orlando Pirates, who contribute nine players to the squad, whilst Mamelodi Sundowns provide five. The list also includes overseas-based talent, with Burnley’s Lyle Foster and Club Brugge’s Shandre Campbell amongst those plying their trade abroad.
The squad represents a blend of domestic experience and international exposure, as South Africa prepare to face stiff competition from across the continent in their quest for African football’s most prestigious prize.
Bafana Bafana will be looking to improve on recent tournament performances as they navigate the group stages and beyond in what promises to be a fiercely contested competition.
South Africa squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Samukele Kabini (Molde), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)
Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq)
