Pirates Take Over Bafana Bafana as Sundowns’ Era ”Fades” Ahead of AFCON 2025
Bafana Bafana’s final 25-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been unveiled — and it marks a dramatic shift in the national team’s power structure. For the first time since the mid-1990s, Orlando Pirates form the dominant core of a South African squad heading to a major tournament.
Hugo Broos’ selection features nine Buccaneers, a reflection of the club’s blistering domestic form and rising influence on the national stage. Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa and Tshepang Moremi all cracked the final list.
This follows a period in which Mamelodi Sundowns carried Bafana, supplying 10 players to the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. This time, their representation has dropped to just five.
The Baton Passes from Sundowns to Pirates
In 2023, Sundowns’ dominance helped power Bafana to a bronze medal. Two years later, the pendulum has swung.
Pirates now shoulder the responsibility of leading South Africa’s AFCON bid in Morocco — a sign of both their resurgence and Broos’ trust in their established combinations.
Sundowns still contribute vital experience, but it is the Buccaneers who shape the identity of this squad, much like in the 1996 AFCON-winning era.
Motale: “This Feels Like ’96 Again”
Orlando Pirates and Bafana legend Edward “Magents” Motale believes the parallels are striking.
“The last time Pirates dominated Bafana was 30 years ago during our time,”
Motale told SABC Sport. “Sundowns were recently the core, but now the balance has shifted back to Orlando Pirates.”
Motale singled out 20-year-old defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, whose rapid rise has drawn overseas attention.
“What I like about him is his dream, focus and determination. He deserves everything coming his way.”
Motale is confident the current momentum can push Bafana beyond the bronze they secured in Côte d’Ivoire.
“With this group, South Africa can end the 30-year AFCON drought.”
Goalkeeping Stability Remains Untouched
Former Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo praised Broos for maintaining continuity in a key department, with Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss all retained.
“Hugo has stuck with the players who built this project. Continuity is crucial — especially for goalkeepers.”
A New Identity for Bafana Bafana
As the squad heads to Morocco, the message is clear:
Pirates provide the spark and youth.
Sundowns offer experience and stability.
Broos maintains the structure that delivered bronze last time out.
With Mbokazi, Mofokeng and Appollis expected to shine, this Bafana team carries both freshness and belief — and echoes of the legendary class of ’96.