‘Not the best squad’ – PSL coach casts doubt on Bafana Bafana AFCON chances

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ team selection for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues to generate debate and a PSL coach has cast doubt on the suitability of the players selected.

Broos selected his 25-man squad for the December 21 to January 18 tournament in Morocco with some notable inclusions and exclusions, youngsters Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell among those included, while veteran Themba Zwane led the list of high-profile omissions.

The 25 include nine from Orlando Pirates, five from Mamelodi Sundowns while Siwelele FC, Polokwane City, TS Galaxy have one each among PSL sides with Kaizer Chiefs leading the list of teams that missed out completely.

Tinkler not convinced by Broos’ squad

Broos’ squad have the tough task of matching or surpassing their run to third place at the 2023 edition with the veteran tactician targeting at least the semi-final in Morocco.

However, Sekhukhune United coach Erick Tinkler does not have full trust in the team selected by Broos and feels they could struggle to emulate the Class of 2023.

“I think we got a very tough group,” Tinkler told iDiski Times, referring to South Africa’s World Cup group that includes Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.

What has Sekhukhune coach said?

“I have my own opinions, which I prefer to try and keep to myself. I don’t think we have the best squad selected. That’s just my view but hopefully we can finish higher than we did in the last campaign, but it’s going to be tough.

“The group we’re in is not an easy group, but it’s going to be about how we start that first game. They got a great chance, I think. I think they got a chance of getting out of the group but it’s not going to be easy.”

South Africa will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign against Angola on December 22 at the Stade de Marrakech.