With just 18 days to go before the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, South Africa coach Hugo Broos has announced a 25-player squad aimed at blending domestic experience with a few key overseas talents. The former Cameroon coach, who won AFCON in 2017, is clearly banking on the momentum from the team’s recent continental campaigns and a strong local-league core.
Local backbone, foreign sparks
Broos’ selection underlines his familiar approach: rely on players hardened by domestic competition and CAF club tournaments, while adding attacking options who ply their trade abroad. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), the CAF Awards 2024 Best Goalkeeper, returns as an obvious leader between the posts. Up front, Lyle Foster (Burnley) will lead the line, backed by promising talents such as Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng, a striking blend of physicality and youthful pace.
Squad list — South Africa (AFCON 2025)
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
- Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders
- Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
- Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
- Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB)
- Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
- Siphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
Forwards
- Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
- Mohau Nkota (El Ettifaq)
- Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
- Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley FC)
- Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates)
- Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem)
- Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
What this selection says
Broos has opted for balance: a compact defensive core capable of physical duels, midfielders experienced in CAF competitions, and attackers who can stretch defences on the counter. The heavy reliance on locally based players reinforces the depth and competitiveness of South Africa’s PSL and underlines the increasing value of domestic development pathways.
Ambitions and context
South Africa arrive in Morocco aiming to be competitive in a tough AFCON field, and Broos’ squad shows intent to progress beyond the group stage. The Bafana Bafana’s mix of experience and rising talent makes them a dark-horse candidate, especially if their club-hardened players bring continental know-how to the tournament’s pressure moments.
Note: national teams must submit final lists by 11 December 2025.
Follow the AFCON action
For fans planning travel or looking for where the key matches will be played, consult our complete stadium guide and AFCON coverage to plan your visit and follow the tournament atmosphere across Morocco.
