Hugo Broos Names 22 Man Bafana Bafana Squad To Face Zambia In Final Friendly Before AFCON

Broos Names 22 Man Squad For Zambia Friendly

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially named his 22-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against Zambia, set to take place in Gqeberha on 15 November.

The Belgian tactician has chosen to stay consistent with the core group that represented South Africa in recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite the match being a friendly, Broos has opted to retain several of his key foreign-based players as preparations intensify ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next month.

Focus On Stability Ahead Of AFCON

Speaking on his selections, Broos made it clear that this is not the time for sweeping changes. “We are preparing for AFCON, it’s not the moment to be calling those players – Shandre is in the selection of 45-50 players. But changing things before a big tournament like AFCON is not a good idea,” he said.

His approach signals a clear intent: building chemistry and consistency within the squad before heading into Africa’s biggest football competition.

Familiar Faces Dominate The Squad

The Bafana Bafana lineup features household names such as Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, and Teboho Mokoena all from the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns setup. Pirates’ contingent remains strong too, with players like Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa included.

Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa stands out as the only new local call-up, rewarded for his recent stellar form in the DStv Premiership.

Full Bafana Bafana Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (both Sundowns), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (both Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Samukelo Kabini (FK Molde, Norway)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Sundowns), Masindi Nemtajela, Thalente Mbatha (both Pirates), Sphephele Sithole (CD Thondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule, Evidence Makgopa (all Pirates), Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United), Mohau Nkota (Al-Etiffaq, Saudi Arabia), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC, England)

Final Tune-Up Before Morocco

The clash against Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium marks Bafana’s final outing in the 2025 FIFA international window before their AFCON campaign begins on 21 December in Morocco.

Fans have taken to social media to praise Broos for his consistency and commitment to building a disciplined, cohesive unit. Many believe the combination of domestic talent and overseas experience could finally push Bafana beyond the group stages in this year’s tournament.

As the countdown to Morocco continues, all eyes will be on how this squad gels and whether Broos’s faith in continuity will pay off on the continental stage.

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{Source:SABC Sport}

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