AFCON 2025 Squad lists: PSL surpasses Serie A, Bundesliga & Turkish Super League in player call-ups

South Africa’s Betway Premiership will be one of the standout leagues at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, underlining its growing influence on the continental stage.

With 28 players called up, the PSL ranks among the top contributors to the tournament, showcasing the depth and quality of talent produced in South Africa. The competition kicks off Sunday, December 21, with live coverage on SuperSport.

While France’s Ligue 1 leads overall with 50 players and the English Premier League follows with 32, the Betway Premiership’s tally places it ahead of several major European leagues. The Egyptian Premier League contributes 31 players, while Tanzania (25) and Botswana (21) also feature prominently.

Orlando Pirates Among Top African Clubs

African clubs dominate the representation, with Orlando Pirates flying the PSL flag alongside continental giants Al Ahly (Egypt) and Al Hilal (Sudan). Pirates, with nine players, and Mamelodi Sundowns, with five, contribute heavily to Bafana Bafana, reinforcing the PSL’s reputation as one of Africa’s most competitive leagues.

In Europe, Sunderland emerges as a surprise contributor, sending six players — the most from any non-African club. Ligue 1 sides Paris FC and Lorient each add five players, reflecting France’s depth across divisions.

French Ligue 1 Leads the Way

Beyond Africa, Serie A and the Turkish Super League each contribute 21 players, while the Bundesliga adds 18. From outside Europe, the Saudi Pro League provides 16 players and Qatar’s Stars League 12.

In total, more than 70 France-based players across divisions will compete, but the Betway Premiership’s 28 call-ups ensure South Africa’s domestic league remains central to the AFCON 2026 narrative.

LIST OF PSL PLAYERS IN AFCON 2025 SQUADS:

Of the 28 players called up from the PSL, 27 hail from the Betway Premiership, with just one representing the Motsepe Foundation. A closer look at the full squad list reveals that the safest hands belong to the PSL, which contributes an impressive nine goalkeepers in total.

• Goalkeepers (9): Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa Utd), Salim Magoola (Richards Bay), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Manuel Sapunga (Sekhukhune), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

• Defenders (7):  Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulamani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)

• Midfielders (4): Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Manuel Kambala (Polokwane City)

• Forwards (8):  Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants ), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), Losika Ratshukudu (Ubuntu FC), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)