AFCON warm-up: Broos announces Bafana squad for Zambia friendly

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially trimmed his large preliminary list, announcing the final 23-man squad set to face neighbouring Zambia in an international friendly later this month.

The squad announcement took place at the SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Thursday, marking a crucial step in the team’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.

Broos’ charges will lock horns with Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 15 November 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

This fixture is a vital component of Bafana’s build-up to the AFCON, where South Africa finds itself placed in Group B alongside continental heavyweights Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola.

Pirates and Sundowns Dominate Bafana Selection

The final 23-man list reveals the continued dominance of players from the PSL’s two biggest rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Mamelodi Sundowns boasts several key figures, including goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, defenders Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba, and midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas.

Orlando Pirates is also heavily represented, contributing players such as Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Masindi Nemtajela, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Tshepang Moremi, and striker Evidence Makgopa.

Notably, Kaizer Chiefs have no representative in the Bafana Bafana final squad this time around.

New Faces Earn Their Chance

The squad also features new blood, with Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United finally earning his first Bafana call-up, a feat shared by Pirates’ defender Masindi Nemtajela.

The 23-Man Bafana Squad by Broos