Ugandan development coach and player agent Paul Mujuni has issued a strong warning to other teams participating in the CHAN tournament, stating that South Africa will be a formidable opponent, especially when they play at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
Bafana Bafana, who are set to kick off their campaign against Nigeria on Friday, August 8, will be competing in the tournament co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, which concludes on August 30, 2025.
Mujuni’s assessment highlights the strength of the South African squad, which is composed of players from their domestic league. He believes that the team's familiarity with each other, combined with their strong tactical discipline, will make them a difficult side to beat.
Playing at a venue like the Nelson Mandela Stadium, which is likely to have a passionate crowd, will only further fuel their determination.
‘OTHER TEAMS ARE MISINTERPRETING BAFANA’
“I think other teams in this tournament are misinterpreting the Bafana Bafana players selected, especially when they see that almost half of the squad is unattached,” Mujuni tells KickOff.
“In my opinion, Bafana Bafana are the favorites to lift this CHAN trophy. I know a majority of the players; I had a hand in the development of four of them, particularly Fortune Makaringe, whom I discovered at the age of 19 at the University of Johannesburg. This is a very good group of players, mixed with young talent and, of course, experienced players. It’s a great balance.
“Secondly, they are in Group C in Kampala at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, which feels like Bafana Bafana's home ground. When you mention Nelson Mandela, it already serves as motivation for the South African team, making them feel like they are playing at home.
“I have mentioned this before in my previous interviews: Bafana Bafana losing at Nelson Mandela Stadium? This stadium has the best playing surface, which suits South Africa's style of play.
“The fan base is also significant; many people in Uganda support Bafana Bafana because of the South African Premier League, where a few Ugandan players have played. Many fans want to follow in their footsteps. Watch this space.
“The only challenge for this Bafana team is that they assembled the squad later than other countries, like Uganda and Kenya.”
