The Bafana full-back has struggled to break into Masandawana's first team despite the ambitious move he made before the season began. At Chloorkop, Basadien is facing stiff competition from Zimbabwean star Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba. His situation at the Pretoria giants has complicated his chances of making it into the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.
The 25-year-old defender made a surprising switch from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates earlier in the season, but his journey at Kaizer Chiefs has been overshadowed by recurring injury setbacks. Despite this, his quality is evident whenever he steps onto the pitch. Monyane remains hopeful that he will eventually earn another opportunity to don the South African jersey and compete for his rightful place in the Bafana setup.
There’s no doubt, Mzansi football is on the up. One just needs to take one look at the performances of Bafana Bafana over the last few years. Since Hugo Broos took charge, the national team has improved significantly, and the recent nominations of SA players at the CAF Awards were a testament to that fact.
The South Africa legend and former Manchester United coach was humiliated with his East African team against the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Lions of Teranga, in an international outing staged in Turkey. It was a wake-up call for the 48-year-old who is expected to be at the helm when the country host the 2027 biennial competition.
With the three stars, Broos is arguably scratching his head on who he should pick or leave for the upcoming continental finals. The coach has already admitted he is set to make a tough decision that will be painful for the players. With an ambition of doing better than last time out in Ivory Coast, the Belgian must pick the best players at his disposal in order to realise that particular dream.
'Master Chef' has done his thing in several kitchens across the Premier Soccer League, but never really settled anywhere long enough to make a lasting impression. We all know the talent is there, but is the former South Africa youth international able to put in the hard yards to produce the consistent performances needed for club and country in a critical year for South African football?
Lorch has been an outstanding player for Wydad Casablanca, and in the last five games across all competitions alone, he has scored four goals. However, Broos insists he does not see any reason to have Nyoso, as the forward is known, in his squad. Lorch's omission has put Broos under criticism, although some have sided with him.
The South African players are giving their best to stand a chance of competing in Morocco as the senior men's national team features against some top sides in Africa. The Belgian has an idea on who he will consider in his squad but some can still force their way in before the final squad is named in the next couple of weeks.
The Glamour Boys captain has been one of the most important players for the Soweto giants in the ongoing 2025/26 season. They are not only chasing the Premier Soccer League crown, but are also in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup alongside Stellenbosch, who reached the semi-final last season.
The South African men’s senior national team took things to the next level over the past weekend, defeating Zambia 3–1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a friendly encounter. Courtesy of goals from Oswin Appolis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole sealed an impressive outing — a performance that left most of the home crowd happy and eager for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
However, for the man at the helm, there remains room for improvement within the squad he will take to the prestigious competition. This leaves him with a selection dilemma: having to drop some players while entrusting others to rise to the challenge.
The 73-year-old has been vocal about the importance of Mshishi, who, despite his advancing age, has been a key player for the national team. The Belgian is working on his squad for continental and global assignments scheduled for later this year, and the new one before officially retiring and focusing on other things.
Broos has been scratching his head over the injury crisis that has sidelined the Masandawana star. But now, his fears may fade away as he believes the stylish midfielder will offer him what he missed when Zwane is not available. The former Cameroon coach handed the Mzansi star a second chance, and the midfielder has not disappointed.
Expectations were high when the Sea Robbers unveiled the signing of the 25‑year‑old at the start of the 2025/26 season, with many believing he could add fresh energy to the Buccaneers’ attacking midfield. Yet only a few months into his tenure, sections of the Ghost faithful have voiced criticism, questioning his impact and consistency as he works to settle into life at Pirates.
The Amakhosi midfielder has received some backing from a club legend who is strongly convinced that the player has enough quality to deserve a place in the national side. He argues that despite the central midfield being arguably the richest Bafana department in terms of depth, the former Stellenbosch star is international football material. The Soweto giants great insists the national team coach is failing to recognise what is good in a defensive linkman.
The Sea Robber was yet again given another start for Bafana Bafana, which is an indication that the coach has developed near total belief in him. With the AFCON finals drawing closer each day, this is good news for the defender who has faced stiff competition at club level. To succeed in AFCON, Broos will need a solid backline, and the larger pool of options means he has the luxury of picking the best.
Mokoena achieved the milestone in South Africa's game against Zambia, and the coach has taken some credit for that. The midfielder's achievement came months after his suspension cost Bafana three points in World Cup qualifiers. And given how central he is to Broos' plans, Mokoena is expected to get as many caps as possible so long as the Belgian is in charge.
