Themba Zwane headlines Broos’ surprise-packed AFCON preliminary South Africa squad

Hugo Broos has released his 36-man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — and the biggest headline is the inclusion of Kaizer Chiefs player Themba Zwane, who makes the list despite recent injury worries. His selection is one of the clearest signs that Broos still trusts the veteran midfielder to deliver on the biggest stage.

Another major surprise is the recall of Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who has not featured for Bafana Bafana all year but makes the squad following impressive form in the USA. Elias Mokwana also returns after recovering fitness and scoring over the weekend for Al-Hazem.

The group carries strong continuity from the 2024 bronze-medal run, with mainstays Teboho Mokoena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ronwen Williams, Sphephelo Sithole and others anchoring the core. At the same time, Broos has opened the door for exciting newcomers including Tylon Smith, Khulumani Ndamane, Sipho Mbule, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and several others who could make their first AFCON, according to Mzansi SA Football.

Broos has already warned that “painful decisions” await when trimming this squad to the final tournament 23, as the depth in the national team has grown significantly.

Bafana Bafana will open their AFCON campaign on 22 December against Angola, followed by Egypt and Zimbabwe in Group B. The squad reports to camp on 8 December in Pretoria.

FULL 36-MAN PRELIMINARY BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Ronwen Williams

Ricardo Goss

Sipho Chaine

Renaldo Leaner

Darren Johnson

Brandon Petersen

DEFENDERS

Khuliso Mudau, Fezile Ngcaba, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloi, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Ime Okon, Samukelo Kabini, Keegan Allan, Vuyo Letlapa, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Malibongwe Khoza, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thapelo Morena, Thabiso Monyane, Tylon Smith, Fawaaz Basadien, Bradley Cross.

MIDFIELDERS

Teboho Mokoena, Luke Le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Siphesihle Mkhize, Siphesihle Maduna, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Sphephelo Sithole, Masindi Netmajela, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Puso Dithejane, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Mihlali Mayambela, Ashley Cupido, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule.

FORWARDS

Oswin Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, Tshepang Moremi, Shane Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana.