Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals with few surprises but a few interesting additions.
It is difficult to know how much to read into the squad with 54 players named, but only 23 to make the final selection for the tournament.
Stalwart Percy Tau, who is now playing in Vietnam, has not made the list, and neither has Thembinkosi Lorch from Wydad Casablanca and Gift Links from Danish side Aarhus.
Themba Zwane, a favourite under Broos for the last few years but suffering from injuries of late, has been named and is likely vying for one of a maximum of two places in the squad with Patrick Maswanganyi and Sipho Mbule.
Mamelodi Sundowns centre-backs Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala have missed out, both were in Ivory Coast two years ago.
Queens Park Rangers defender Tylon Smith has been named, but it would be a huge surprise were he to make the final cut.
There are not many surprises within the midfield, with the usual suspects, including Teboho Mokoena, Luke le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha and Sphephelo Sithole all present and strong contenders for the final squad.
Club Brugge youngster Shandre Campbell gets the nod, but is also a rank outsider for the final squad, while Bongokuhle Hlongwane from Minnesota United in the MLS is also back in contention.
The usual suspects of Burnley’s Lyle Foster, the Orlando Pirates quintet of Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appolis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Tshepang Moremi are also named.
Saudi-based Mohau Nkota and Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners and Mihlali Mayambela of Aris Limassol has also been included.
