Hugo Broos has unveiled his 36-man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — and while the return of Themba Zwane grabs the headlines, the inclusion of two Amajita stars has added major excitement ahead of the tournament.
Tylon Smith, the Queens Park Rangers defender who impressed at the 2025 AFCON U20 tournament, and Shandre Campbell, the Club Brugge winger widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most exciting young attackers, have both earned senior call-ups. Their rise reflects Broos’ growing confidence in the next generation emerging from the youth structures.
Zwane’s comeback remains the biggest senior surprise, with the Kaizer Chiefs playmaker named despite recent injury concerns. Equally eye-catching is the recall of Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who returns after months outside the Bafana setup, and Elias Mokwana, who forced his way back into contention with a goal-scoring performance in Saudi Arabia.
Broos has kept the spine of the side that won bronze in 2024 — Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole and Nkosinathi Sibisi — while also opening the door to emerging talent such as Sipho Mbule, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and others pushing for their first AFCON, according to Mzansi SA Football.
Bafana will assemble in Pretoria on 8 December before flying to Morocco, where they will face Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe in Group B. Broos has already warned that trimming the squad will be “painful,” with competition for places at its strongest in years.