AFCON Twist: Injured Bafana Stars Given New Hope After CAF Ruling

CAF Rule Change Reopens AFCON 2025 Door for Zwane, Mofokeng & Sebelebele

A sweeping new regulation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dramatically altered the AFCON 2025 selection picture — and it may be the lifeline Themba Zwane, Rele Mofokeng and Kamogelo Sebelebele desperately needed.

With South Africa’s attacking trio battling fitness issues ahead of the Morocco showpiece, Bafana supporters feared the worst. But CAF’s landmark decision to allow 28-player squads instead of the traditional 23 has reopened the door for players on the mend.

CAF’s New Rule Explained

CAF confirmed that teams can register 28 players, though only 23 will be funded by CAF. The additional five must be covered by each federation.

For coach Hugo Broos, this isn’t just a technical tweak — it’s a strategic goldmine.

The expanded squad allows him to carry players who aren’t yet fully match-ready without compromising depth or balance. SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao confirmed the association is ready to support whatever squad size Broos requests.

“We will be guided by the coach,” Monyepao told SABC Sport. “If he wants more players, we are open to that.”

Zwane: A Final Shot at AFCON Glory?

At 36, Themba Zwane remains one of Bafana’s finest creators. But injuries have put his AFCON hopes in real jeopardy. Broos has been brutally honest:

“If Themba doesn’t play soon, it will be very hard to take him to Morocco.”

Yet with CAF widening squad sizes, Zwane could be included even if still regaining sharpness. This could be the veteran’s last AFCON, and the new rule gives him a realistic shot at making the plane.

Mofokeng: Young Star Gets a Second Chance

Teenage sensation Rele Mofokeng was almost certain to make the AFCON cut before injury halted his momentum. His creativity and fearlessness have made him one of SA’s most exciting prospects.

Now, CAF’s expanded squads offer Broos flexibility to carry the youngster even if he’s not 100% ready by December.

For Mofokeng, simply experiencing AFCON could accelerate his development dramatically.

Sebelebele: Race Against Time Back On

Kamogelo Sebelebele has also been under fitness watch after a knock limited his recent game time. Broos values his versatility — but risk versus reward was becoming harder to balance.

With the new CAF rule, the equation changes.

Sebelebele can be taken as part of the 28, giving him time to recover during the tournament while maintaining squad depth across attacking positions.