As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, taking place in Morocco, South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, has announced a squad that indicates a strategic focus on both youth and experience. The head coach, Hugo Broos, has selected a team that includes a significant number of young players alongside seasoned veterans, which positions the group for a competitive showing in the tournament.

Broos's selection includes 20-year-olds Shandre Campbell from Club Brugge and Tylon Smith from Queens Park Rangers. This decision highlights a long-term approach to talent development, aiming to integrate young players into the national framework. The current squad features seven players aged 21 or younger, including Khulumani Ndamane, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, and Relebohile Mofokeng. This marks a notable shift from the previous AFCON in 2019, where the youngest player was 23, reflecting a deliberate strategy to rejuvenate the team after failing to qualify for AFCON 2021.

The leadership within the squad is provided by experienced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, along with fellow veterans from Mamelodi Sundowns, including Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, and Teboho Mokoena. Lyle Foster, who plays as a striker for Burnley, has emerged as a significant player, demonstrating leadership capabilities despite being only 25 years old.

Broos has demonstrated adaptability in his coaching approach. His decision to include younger players such as Campbell and Smith, despite earlier preferences for stability, indicates a willingness to recalibrate strategies based on current team dynamics. In past selections, he has noted the need for better choices, such as the omission of Themba Zwane due to injury.

Key players to monitor as the tournament begins include Lyle Foster, who is anticipated to be an offensive asset, and Mohau Nkota, who has shown impressive form at both the club and national levels. Nkota's performance could attract interest from European clubs. Additionally, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi are notable players linked with potential moves to Major League Soccer, contributing to the team's depth. Mofokeng's versatility enhances his value, while Mbokazi is expected to play a crucial role in defense.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena faces scrutiny due to past controversies but is expected to regulate the midfield dynamics effectively. His performance will be significant in controlling the pace of the matches during the tournament.

Bafana Bafana finished third in the last AFCON, and the current squad appears to be more competitive than that of previous years. Historically, South Africa has reached the AFCON final twice, winning in 1996 and finishing second in 1998. The team has been placed in a challenging group alongside Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe, but the combination of capable players and a strong domestic league could facilitate a deep tournament run.

While it is uncertain whether South Africa will secure the championship, a strong performance in Morocco could establish a foundational framework for future success in South African football.

Projected Outcome: Runners-up

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

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

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Standby Reserves: Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC)