South Africa is expected to submit a bid to host the continental tournament. According to the top government official, a joint bid is expected alongside neighbouring countries. If South Africa wins the hosting rights, it will have another chance to try and win the AFCON trophy on home soil, having done so in 1996.
The 29-year-old has been based in Europe since 2016, building a solid career abroad. During his decade overseas, his journey has taken him through Sweden, Portugal and Israel, before settling in Cyprus over the past four years. He now joins a club soaked in success, having been crowned champions of Cyprus on 21 occasions.
With a demanding schedule facing the Pretoria-based side, Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso has had the opportunity to dig deep into his squad—an approach that saw a Bafana Bafana centre-back make his first appearance for the Brazilians in their mid-week clash against Sekhukhune United.
After two seasons with the Moroccan giants, the 32-year-old attacker has moved to a new club. The ex-Bucs star was signed by Rhulani Mokwena, whose stint with the former CAF Champions League winners was turbulent, and the tactician left after a season. After Mokwena and Cassius Mailula's departure, Lorch has also left, leaving Wydad with no South African talent.
The South African winger is enjoying his football again after struggles with Orlando Pirates and the defending Premier Soccer League champions. The 32-year-old delivered in the Botola Pro League before inviting suitors from other countries. Nyoso is now set for a new challenge, hoping to sustain his form.
There has been a massive debate regarding the decision by the national team technical team to exclude Mshishi and Nyoso from the squad, which featured in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where South Africa crashed out in the Round of 16, falling 2-1 against the five-time champions Cameroon.
In a wide-ranging blog interview, the former AFCON winner revealed his views on the tournament's semi final stage, the battle between Mane and Salah, the upcoming final and picks his standout players.
South Africa are set to return to the global football showpiece for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament on home soil. Their last successful qualification campaign came when they secured a place at the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan. Now, the 1996 African champions will be bidding to prove that they truly belong on the elite stage of world football.
One of the key components in any team setup is a competitive goalkeeping department. In most cases, the best, usually the most experienced one, is always the number one choice, and in the case of Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns' captain has been the undisputed choice. With his age advancing and no young successor in the picture already, a goalkeeping problem for the national team has been predicted.
The Africa Cup of Nations finals is heading to the ultimate stage, and to every South African football fan, they had to believe their team had the ability to reach this stage. However, Bafana were eliminated quite early; Cameroon's Indomitable Lions proved too strong for them and eliminated the 1996 AFCON champions in the Round of 16. Since elimination, criticism, counter-criticism and the blame game have been the order of the day, and many fingers have pointed to one man: Broos.
The South African Premier Soccer League has recently produced talented youngsters who have shown promise in the game, inviting interest from abroad where several teams have been chasing them. In the last couple of months, youngsters have left for Belgium as well as the Major League Soccer and, seemingly, this is not going to stop.
By strengthening their playing unit, the Brazilians are sending a clear message to their rivals that they mean business. So far, the Tshwane giants have confirmed the signing of Brayan Leon from Colombia and Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates. The signing of the Bafana defender means there will be no void left in the defensive department after Lucas Suarez's exit.
As debate on who should take over Bafana Bafana when Broos' era comes to an end rages, some names have been suggested. From the experienced Pitso Mosimane to the emerging Rhulani Mokwena and Broos' current assistant, Helman Mkhalele, pundits have been analysing who is the best-suited tactician to handle the national side.
After what has been regarded as Bafana's poor performance in Morocco, South Africans have been left wondering whether their team is developing or regressing. Now, as the focus shifts to the 2026 World Cup finals, Bafana's supporters have been cautioned.
Defiant Broos continues to defend himself even though South Africa failed to achieve their AFCON ambitions. After initially blaming the level of the Premier Soccer League, stating that his players lack the necessary experience, the Belgian has turned his gun on his critics. Known for his unfiltered, controversial comments at times, the AFCON winner has hit back at those who criticise him.
In what will be seen as a surprising transfer of the January window, the Bucs star has completed a move to their Premier Soccer League rivals. As they fight to retain the league title, the Pretoria giants hope to get massive service from the left-footed forward, who is known for his pace and skilful movements. After he was frozen out at the Sea Robbers, Saleng sought refuge at Orbit College, where he became a regular starter.
