Excitement is building as the South Africa National Soccer Team, affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, has announced their squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, which is set to take place in Cameroon, will see the best teams from across the continent battle it out for the prestigious title.
Coach Hugo Broos has carefully selected a squad that combines experience with young talent, aiming to strike the perfect balance on the field. The announcement has sparked a wave of anticipation among fans and pundits alike, as they eagerly analyze the team’s chances in the tournament.
South Africa National Soccer Team Announce AFCON Squad
South Africa National Soccer Team Announce AFCON Squad
Bafana Bafana South Africa National Soccer Team Announce AFCON Squad: According to the regulations, each member association (PMA) qualified for the final competition must submit a provisional list of players not exceeding 55 before December 14, 2023.
Following the decision of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations organizing committee, LDCs will be allowed to have a final squad of 27 players, four more than the previous 23 from the previous tournament. The inclusion of four additional players on the final list is optional and not obligatory.
If a team fields a final squad consisting of 24-27 players, only 23 of them will be available for selection for each tournament match. Furthermore, the deadline for submitting the final championship teams is January 3, 2023, ten (10) days before the opening match.
At the same time, a player from the final team can only be replaced after a serious injury, at least 24 hours before the team’s first match, after approval of a medical certificate by the CAF Medical Commission. The final competition will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in the Ivorian cities of Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.
South Africa National Soccer Team Announce AFCON Squad
| # | Full Name | Club | Club Country |
| 1 | Ronwen Hayden williams | Mamelodi Sundowns | South Africa |
| 2 | Veli Mothwa | Amazulu FC | South Africa |
| 3 | Stuart Ricardo goss | Supersport United | South Africa |
| 4 | Melusi Nkazimulo Buthelezi | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 5 | Bruce Hlamulo bvuma | Kaizer Chiefs | South Africa |
| 6 | Nyiko Sydney mobbie | Sekhukhune United | South Africa |
| 7 | Gomolemo Grant kekana | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 8 | Nkosinathi Emmanuel sibisi | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 9 | Aubrey Maphosa modiba | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 10 | James Thabiso monyane | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 11 | Mothobi Mvala | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 12 | Siyanda Xulu | Supersport United | South Africa |
| 13 | Spiwe Given Msimango | Kaizer Chiefs FC | South Africa |
| 14 | Bradley Paul cross | Golden Arrows FC | South Africa |
| 15 | Ime Daniel Okon | Supersport United | South Africa |
| 16 | Khuliso Johnson mudau | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 17 | Thapelo Maseko | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 18 | Tapelo Xoki | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 19 | Themba Mantshiyane | Golden Arrows FC | South Africa |
| 20 | Thapelo James morena | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 21 | Terrence Mashego | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 22 | Siyabonga Ngezana | Steau bukarest | Romania |
| 23 | Fawaaz Basedien | Stellenboch FC | South Africa |
| 24 | Miguel Timm | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 25 | Njabulo Blom | Saint Louis | USA |
| 26 | Teboho Mokoena | sund | South Africa |
| 27 | Grant Margeman | Supersport United | South Africa |
| 28 | Thabang Amod monare | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 29 | Sphephelo Sithole | Tondela | Portugal |
| 30 | Mlungisi Mbunjana | TS Galaxy | South Africa |
| 31 | Sibongiseni Mthethwa | Kaizer Chiefs FC | South Africa |
| 32 | Ethan Duncan brooks | Amazulu FC | South Africa |
| 33 | Jayden Oswin adams | Stellenboch FC | South Africa |
| 34 | Goodman Mosele | Sekhukhune United | South Africa |
| 35 | Bathusi Jurry aubaas | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 36 | Patrick Maswanganyi | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 37 | Mihlali Mayambela | ARIS LIMASSOL | Cyprus |
| 38 | Themba Zwane | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | South Africa |
| 39 | Evidence Makgopa | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 40 | Khanyisa Eric Mayo | Cape Town City | South Africa |
| 41 | Tshepang Moremi | Amazulu FC | South Africa |
| 42 | Monnapule Kenneth saleng | Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| 43 | Elias Sepho mokwana | Sekhukhune |
The Squad
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players who have made the cut:
Percy Tau
Percy Tau, the star forward who currently plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the squad. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills and clinical finishing, Tau will be a key player to watch out for in the tournament.
Thulani Serero
Thulani Serero, who plies his trade for Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, brings a wealth of experience to the team. The midfielder’s vision and ability to control the game from the center of the park will be crucial in dictating the rhythm of play for Bafana Bafana.
Itumeleng Khune
Itumeleng Khune, the veteran goalkeeper, has been a stalwart for the national team for over a decade. His shot-stopping abilities and leadership skills make him an invaluable asset between the sticks. Khune’s experience will be vital in keeping the team organized and focused throughout the tournament.
Kamohelo Mokotjo
Kamohelo Mokotjo, who currently plays for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, adds a touch of creativity to the midfield. His ability to pick out incisive passes and contribute to the attack will be crucial in breaking down resilient defenses.
Thapelo Morena
Thapelo Morena, the versatile full-back who plies his trade for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Soccer League, brings energy and dynamism to the team. His overlapping runs and defensive solidity will provide an extra dimension to Bafana Bafana’s play.
The Road Ahead
Bafana Bafana will face tough competition in AFCON, with teams like Egypt, Senegal, and Nigeria among the favorites. However, with the right combination of talent, teamwork, and tactical astuteness, South Africa has the potential to cause some upsets and make a deep run in the tournament.
Coach Broos will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him as he prepares the team for the challenges ahead. Training camps, tactical drills, and friendly matches will be crucial in fine-tuning the team’s performance and building cohesion among the players.
As fans eagerly await the start of the tournament, there is a sense of optimism in the air. The South Africa National Soccer Team has a proud history in AFCON, having won the tournament once in 1996. With the right blend of experience and youth, Bafana Bafana has the potential to add another chapter to that storied history.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on Bafana Bafana as they embark on their AFCON journey. The stage is set, the squad is announced, and the nation is behind them. It’s time to show the world what South African soccer is all about!