Zwane among big names missing as Broos unveils final Bafana AFCON squad

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with some big names left out of the team.

Broos included nine Orlando Pirates players, five from Mamelodi Sundowns while there is no Kaizer Chiefs star in the 25-man squad which has two Amajita players in Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell.

The biggest casualty is Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane, who has missed out following his fitness issues that did not allow him to be ready in time to make it to the final team.

Who are the biggest casualties?

Zwane has been hampered by injuries since October 2024 and suffered another setback in September, which left him in a race against time to be ready for AFCON 2025.

He made his return as a late substitute in Sundowns’ goalless draw against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League on Friday but that was too late as Broos seems to have already made up his mind.

Also missing out is Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, Sundowns’ full-back Thapelo Morena, his Chiefs counterpart Thabiso Monyane, as well as Fawaaz Basidien of Sundowns, who has paid the price for not getting game time at his new club.

Biggest winners in Bafana AFCON squad

Pirates midfielder Masindi Namtajela’s hopes of making the squad also went up in smoke and so did Puso Dethajane of TS Galaxy, and US-based Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

Among the biggest winners is Polokwane City full-back Thabang Matuludi, U20 stars Smith and Campbell, Samukele Kabini, Tshepang Moremi, who has been in great form for Pirates, Saudi-based Elias Mokwane, who looked in danger of missing out, and Bucs youngster Relebohile Mofokeng, who has returned to form just in time to make the squad.

However, there is no Chiefs star in the final 25-man squad although midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala is among the three players on standby, alongside Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners and Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane.