Sibisi outlines Bafana Bafana’s ultimate AFCON ambition

The dust has barely settled on a frantic opening night in Morocco, but for Bafana Bafana, the 2-1 victory over Angola was more than just three points—it was a statement of intent.

In the wake of Lyle Foster’s dramatic late winner against the Palancas Negras, the South African camp is buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose. Amid the growing excitement, veteran centre-back Nkosinathi Sibisi has revealed that the squad is no longer content with being “participants”—they are in North Africa to bring the trophy home.

The “Bigger Picture” At AFCON

The 30-year-old Orlando Pirates stalwart, who has evolved into a cornerstone of Hugo Broos’ defensive unit, admits that while the team is preaching a “one game at a time” mantra, the ultimate goal is clear at AFCON.

“Look, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but we have the bigger picture in mind,” Sibisi told SuperSport TV. “We know our wish is to win the AFCON for our people, for the country, for ourselves, and for our families.”

Brotherhood as a Backbone

Under Broos, South Africa has built a reputation for tactical discipline, but Sibisi points to a more intangible quality as the secret to their success: Unity.

“We have a solid, solid group. The unity in the group is what carries us through every tournament or every match we play,” the former Golden Arrows captain explained. “For us, it’s just about keeping that together and working harder. The results will follow.”

No Room for Complacency At AFCON

The victory in the Group B opener provides a vital safety net as Bafana Bafana prepare to face the continental giants, Egypt, this Friday, followed by a high-stakes COSAFA derby against Zimbabwe on December 29th.

While Sibisi acknowledges that the early win has “eased the pressure,” he was quick to warn against the dangers of a relaxed mentality.

“Winning the first match was crucial in setting the tone. It helps us avoid the desperation in the second and third games,” Sibisi noted. “But we can’t be complacent. We are taking the results as they come.”

With three points already in the bag and a “fearless mentality” flowing through the squad, the 1996 champions are starting to look like a side capable of fulfilling Sibisi’s “big mission.”