Vela Khumalo takes Bafana COSAFA Cup reins, calls up five Chiefs stars

Vela Khumalo. Photo credit: SAFA

Kaizer Chiefs Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has been appointed to lead Bafana Bafana in the 2025 COSAFA Cup, and has wasted no time in assembling his squad, notably calling up five players from the Amakhosi first team.

On Friday, Khumalo announced his squad for the 2025 COSAFA Cup, taking place in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, from June 4-15. South Africa have been drawn against Mozambique, Mauritius and Zimbabwe in Group A.

The head coach of the Chiefs DDC team and the South African Under-17 men's National Team will lead the side, with Reneilwe Letsholonyane serving as his assistant and Molefi Ntseki as technical advisor.

Notably, Chiefs players dominate the squad with five inclusions: Bruce Bvuma, Wandile Duba, Aden McCarthy, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Thabo Cele. This strong representation comes after Chiefs players were overlooked by Hugo Broos for the upcoming June friendly games against Mozambique and Tanzania.

In addition, Khumalo has also cast his net wide to include players who will be considered for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host from August 2-30, 2025.

“We are looking forward to this tournament and we’re playing at home, we’re playing in Bloemfontein, and we cannot compromise the team," said Khumalo.

"This is another Bafana Bafana team, and I’m happy, I’m excited. We want to go through, and we want to win COSAFA. I remember the last time we won it with coach Morena Ramoreboli when we were co-coaches, now it’s just me alone.

"I think this is the right time for us to express ourselves and show how we as South Africans are on the winning streak, and we are happy and in a good space,” added Khumalo.

BAFANA BAFANA COSAFA CUP SQAUD