Monare’s mentorship: AFCON bronze medalist offers wisdom to Bafana’s new guard

As Bafana Bafana prepares to launch their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against Angola tonight, former national team midfielder Thabang Monare has called on the squad’s newcomers to embrace the pressure of the continental stage.

South Africa begins its Group B journey at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Monday, 22 December, with a 19:00 kick-off. Following a tournament-opening 2-0 victory for hosts Morocco over Comoros on Sunday, the stakes are already high for Hugo Broos’ men as they look to build on their 2024 bronze-medal success.

This year’s squad features a vibrant injection of youth, with several high-profile debutants expected to play pivotal roles. Among those making their maiden AFCON appearances are: Orlando Pirates stars Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Chaine, Sipho Mbule and Tshepang Moremi.

Joining them are ex-Bucs players: Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC), as well as Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB) and Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers).

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Bafana Bafana countdown to kick off!!!! 🔥 🇿🇦

⚽️South Africa 🇿🇦 vs 🇦🇴 Angola
🏟 Stade de Marrakech
⏰️ 18h00 (local time)#BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/gU0VQUfKlB

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 20, 2025

Wisdom from the Bronze AFCON Era By Monare

Monare, a veteran of the side that secured a podium finish in Ivory Coast, believes the current blend of youth and experience is the team’s greatest asset. Speaking on the influx of new talent, Monare insisted that the debutants are perfectly positioned to succeed.

“Most of the guys who were there in the previous tournament are still in the squad. They will provide the proper advice and guidance these debutants need,” Monare noted.

Reflecting on the leap from domestic football to the AFCON stage, he added: “I think they will do well. My message to them is: work hard and trust the process. We proved in the last tournament that we have the individual quality to go all the way. Playing against the best in Africa and Europe is a learning curve, but ending up on that podium was one of the best moments of my career. These boys can experience that too.”

The task for Broos’ charges is significant. Placed in a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola, the South Africans cannot afford a slow start.

With expectations heightened following their recent resurgence, the performance of these debutants will likely dictate whether Bafana Bafana can transform their previous bronze success into a gold-medal charge.