We Believe We Can Go All the Way: South Africa National Team Ready for AFCON
Bafana Bafana departed South African soil yesterday with confidence and belief running high as they begin their journey to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The national team left their training base at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria and travelled via OR Tambo International Airport before heading to North Africa. South Africa arrive at the continental showpiece as reigning bronze medallists, having finished third at the previous edition in Ivory Coast, and with growing belief that this squad can push even further.
Winger Mohau Nkota captured the upbeat mood in camp, saying the players are excited and eager to embrace the challenge that lies ahead, with full focus on starting the tournament strongly.
SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya confirmed that preparations have gone according to plan and that the squad is physically and mentally ready for the demands of the competition. He praised head coach Hugo Broos for the structure and progress achieved since taking charge.
“We know how important the opening match is,” Ngwenya said. “Angola is our first opponent, and everyone is ready. There is real belief within the group that we can go all the way, and that is exactly the mindset we want.”
Bafana Bafana enter AFCON as one of the tournament’s dark horses, drawn in a demanding Group B alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Angola, and COSAFA rivals Zimbabwe. Confidence has been further boosted by recent World Cup qualification and a solid run of results under Broos.
Former captain Bongani Khumalo has urged South Africans to rally behind the team, crediting Broos with reigniting passion and pride in the national side.
South Africa open their AFCON campaign against Angola in Marrakech on Monday evening, before taking on Egypt on Boxing Day, as they chase a first continental title since 1996.