AFCON 2025 Predictions: Fish tips Bafana Bafana to recreate 1996 glory

Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish has joined former FIFA World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit in backing Hugo Broos and his squad to go all the way at AFCON 2025, saying the final selection came with no surprises.

“I didn’t expect any major surprises, and there aren’t any. Coach Broos trusts the players he’s picked, and I support him 100%,” Fish told Sowetan.

Fish highlighted that the squad largely consists of players who were instrumental in Afcon and World Cup qualification campaigns. “These are guys who’ve been part of the team for the past couple of years, with only a few additions in recent months. Those newcomers, like Sipho Mbule and Khulumani Ndamane, have taken their chances well, so no surprises at all.”

Notably, Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane and striker Iqraam Rayners are among the big omissions. Rayners remains on standby alongside Stellenbosch defender Thabo Moloisane and Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mduduzi Shabalala.

Fish, a key figure in Bafana’s 1996 Afcon triumph, urged Zwane and Rayners to push harder for a World Cup spot. “We all know Zwane was out for a while and only recently returned, still struggling for game time at Sundowns. Rayners will be disappointed, but there’s still a World Cup coming,” he said.

“They must work harder. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Broos to leave them out, but they have a chance to make the World Cup squad in a few months.”

Looking ahead, Fish is optimistic about Bafana’s chances. “I expect them to at least reach the semifinals again, after falling short in the last Afcon. They have a team capable of going all the way. This Bafana side can beat anyone on their day, but Afcon is unpredictable, it’s one of the toughest tournaments in the world. All eyes will be on Bafana, so let’s not pile on the pressure.”

Fish also praised Broos for including youngsters Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith. “Their inclusion is commendable. They represent the future and will gain invaluable experience at Afcon, even if they don’t play,” he said.

The tournament kicks off in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. Bafana are drawn in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, with their opener against Angola in Marrakech on December 22.