SOUTH Africa have become the first coach to officially unveil their final squad for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with head coach Hugo Broos naming the players today, 20 days to the kick-off of the tournament.
Broos, who led the 1996 AFCON champions to a third-place finish in Cote d’Ivoire after they lost in the semi-finals to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, named a final 25-man squad.
In a squad dominated by players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, one of the notable inclusions is 2023 AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Ronwen Williams, who plays for the former.
Leading the attack will be Burnley striker Lyle Foster along with Mohau Nkota of El Ettifaq and Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng.
Much like his 2023 AFCON squad, Broos’ current team is dominated by locally-based players who boast continental experience through the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup over the last two seasons.
CAF Champions League runners-up last season are represented by five players in the squad, with Pirates contributing eight players.
South Africa last lifted the Africa’s most prestigious title in 1996.
The current generation, guided by Broos has been in excellent form, with the Belgian coach steering them towards back-to-back AFCON qualifications and a FIFA World Cup qualification since last appearing as hosts in 2010.
The 2025 AFCON tournament will take place between December 21 to January 18.
The final submission of squads for all 24 participating teams will be December 11.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have not even named a provisional squad, let alone a final one.
South Africa’s Morocco 2025 AFCON squad:
GOALKEEPERS:
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
DEFENDERS
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates).
MIDFIELDERS
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Siphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela).
FORWARDS
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (El Ettafaq), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnely FC), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates).