There have been calls for Bafana to play against the so-called top nations as part of the preparations for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Local football's governing body has managed to secure a mouthwatering match against one of the teams that will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America as the final preparatory game for Hugo Broos' side.
The Sea Robbers continue to celebrate their majority presence in the national team squad that is heading to Morocco. Out of the 25 players named for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, nine are from the Soweto giants, although Mbekezeli Mbokazi has signed for Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. Until recently, Masandawana dominated Bafana, but the Sea Robbers have displaced them as the majority contributor.
In a wide-ranging blog interview the former forward revealed his views on Chelsea's season so far and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament. While believing there are a number of teams who could go all the way at the tournament, the 2015 AFCON winner also pointed to Hugo Broos' team's chances of success.
The 21-year-old South Africa international has rediscovered his form in a critical time as the country hopes Hugo Broos' men will defy the odds to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that will be staged in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. The versatile attacker helped the Buccaneers win another trophy last weekend.
The forward has been finding the net with an impressive regularity recently, and his form has been picking up even though he was not named in South Africa's AFCON team. If he keeps finding the back of the net, then he will make himself hard to ignore, especially at a time when the World Cup finals lie ahead for Bafana. To do well in the global bonanza, Hugo Broos is expected to pick the best, and the forward only needs to maintain his form in Europe.
While he was in charge of the Saudi Pro League side, the tactician said he was interested in signing the South African star. However, due to challenges, the move did not materialise in the end. The experienced tactician also revealed that he is impressed by how Bucs have managed to sign deals with clubs from the Middle East despite the difficulties involved.
Given the regularity with which Hugo Broos has called him up, the Bafana forward is tipped to be among the players that will be taken to the global finals. This will be Nkota's biggest platform to showcase his talent to the world after his breakthrough season at Pirates. Now, a Mzansi legend, who starred in the 1998 finals in France, has thrown a challenge to him.
The versatile attacker has peaked ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which is good news for coach Hugo Broos and the entire South Africa at large, owing to his impact on the pitch. Despite being just 21, the Bafana Bafana star has won the Buccaneers several domestic titles owing to his quality in the final third.
The 26-year-old has been handed a lifeline in his international career as he heads to the continental competition with South Africa. He makes his return to the national team after a brief absence that followed his club switch and a dip in form. Now back on top of his game, his performances have convinced the technical team that he can add value to the national side again.
The senior national team played in the 1998, 2002, and 2010 global competitions but failed to get past the initial hurdle. A majority of the supporters in the country believe that could change in the 2026 edition to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada after Friday's draw that saw Mzansi being placed in what they feel is a manageable group.
The Belgian mentor recently unveiled his final 25‑man squad set to carry South Africa’s hopes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising talents, the group will aim to showcase resilience, unity and ambition on the continental stage as Bafana Bafana prepare to fly the national flag high in pursuit of glory.
Bafana arrive in Morocco carrying a heavy load of expectations after finishing third at the last edition of the continental competition. Failure to reach the semi-finals would likely be considered as underperforming, and Hugo Broos would not want his charges to experience such a scenario. While failure at this tournament could have a negative impact of demoralising the team, a former South Africa coach sees it as a blessing in disguise.
The Premier Soccer League giants are set to sharpen themselves with opponents outside the country as the season takes a break. The league will go into a break to allow players to represent their respective countries in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco. Five of the Masandawana stars will be part of Hugo Broos' team, but the rest will not have as much rest, as they are scheduled to participate in the tournament.
The South African national team is just a few days away from departing for Morocco, where they will continue their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off on December 21. For a certain PSL right-back, who has earned a place in Hugo Broos’ 25-man squad, a new chapter begins. He will be aiming to see his career reach new heights while gaining valuable experience on the continental stage.
The multiple Premier Soccer League winner was snubbed when the Belgian announced the squad he will be taking to the continental finals in Morocco. Although many were surprised that the experienced star was not called up, some have argued that Broos made the right decision in overlooking him.
The World Cup fever pitch has already started as FIFA is set to conduct the draw for the 2026 finals, set to be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. After a gruelling World Cup campaign, Bafana will now be eager to know who their preliminary opponents will be in next year's global showpiece. This will be South Africa's first involvement in the finals for over a decade since they hosted the event in 2010.
