AFCON 2025: Five Bafana Bafana Stars Who Could Miss Out on Morocco

As AFCON 2025 approaches, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos faces one of his toughest selection dilemmas yet.

Injuries, inconsistent form, and rising competition have put several big names at risk of missing the plane to Morocco. Here’s a closer look at five players who could be watching from home.

Patrick Maswanganyi – Inconsistency Opens the Door

Tito Maswangane was once considered a midfield certainty for Bafana Bafana, but his season at Orlando Pirates has been a rollercoaster. Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries and erratic form have raised questions about his reliability.

Stats Snapshot: Maswangane has made 11 appearances in all competitions, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist across 711 minutes (0.51 goal contributions per 90). In the league, he has 8 matches, 2 goals, and 1 assist (0.34 G/90).

The Risk: Hugo Broos values consistency and fitness. If Maswangane fails to maintain regular starts, uncapped teammate Masinde Nemtajela, who has impressed recently, could steal his spot.

Rushwin Dortley – Fitness Race Against Time

Kaizer Chiefs’ Rushwin Dortley was tipped as an automatic starter at left centre-back, but injuries have derailed his progress. A knee surgery in March kept him out for months, and while he’s back in light training, competitive minutes remain elusive.

The Risk: With AFCON looming, Dortley’s lack of match sharpness could cost him dearly. Broos has shown he prefers players in peak condition, and Dortley’s race against time might end in heartbreak.

Themba Zwane – A Legend in Limbo

Few players embody Bafana Bafana’s creativity like Themba “Mshishi” Zwane. But his recent thigh injury at Mamelodi Sundowns has thrown his AFCON hopes into doubt. Zwane briefly returned in September but suffered a setback, sidelining him for another month.

The Risk: Broos has been clear: if Zwane doesn’t get game time after the international break, he won’t be considered. For a player who starred in AFCON 2023, this could be a cruel twist of fate.

Kamogelo Sebelebele – Momentum Halted

Sebelebele’s move to Orlando Pirates sparked a purple patch that earned him a national call-up. His early-season stats were impressive: 4 appearances, 2 goals in 208 minutes, including a strike in the MTN8. But injuries have disrupted his rhythm just as competition for attacking spots intensifies.

The Risk: With younger options knocking on the door, Sebelebele must return quickly and prove he can deliver under pressure.

Siyabonga Ngezana – Experience Under Threat

Ngezana has long been a Broos favorite, bringing leadership and composure to Bafana’s backline. At FCSB in Romania, he’s enjoyed regular football: 21 appearances, 1 goal, and 1,830 minutes across domestic and European competitions.

The Risk: Despite his experience, the rise of Mbokazi and Ndamane—two defenders who impressed in qualifiers—could push Ngezana down the pecking order. Broos may opt for youth and versatility over familiarity.