Broos narrows down AFCON squad: Bafana coach reveals selection progress

Hugo Broos, the head coach of Bafana Bafana, has offered a clear update on his final selection process for the upcoming 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.

With the continental tournament fast approaching—set to kick off on December 21—South Africa is ramping up preparations. Drawn into Group B alongside Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola, the 1996 African champions are focusing on finalising their travelling squad.

The 75% Rule: Broos’s AFCON Puzzle

In an effort to avoid “experiments” and concentrate on the core group, Broos indicated that the bulk of his AFCON squad is already decided.

“We are in preparation for AFCON, and now it’s not a moment to do experiments. I have to focus everything on AFCON… I said that maybe for me, 75 per cent of the selection is made for AFCON,” Broos stated.

The Belgian coach is now using the current international window to resolve the final remaining selections ahead of the team’s final camp.

“But now it’s only to see a few positions, maybe this one or the other one. But that is the most important thing for me that we don’t have any doubts anymore, and we can start the preparation on the 8th of December, and we don’t have any surprises more.”

Hints from the Current Camp

The squad called up for the upcoming friendly against Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this Saturday serves as a strong indication of Broos’s preferred players.

Notably, the coach made some significant exclusions for the current camp, leaving out the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Grant Kekana, Patrick Maswanganyi, Ime Okon, Iqraam Rayners, and Luke le Roux.

Broos also reiterated his long-standing stance that in-form Wydad Casablanca attacker Thembinkosi Lorch does not fit into his tactical strategy for the national team.

The Bafana Bafana contingent is scheduled to regroup on December 8 for their final AFCON preparations, with the definitive travelling squad expected to be announced in the coming weeks.