While other AFCON-bound teams have taken advantage of the current FIFA international break to play two friendly matches, South Africa opted to schedule only one. This might be seen as missing out on valuable match sharpness. However, the team will have an opportunity for more friendlies just before the continental tournament kicks off. That period could be crucial for the Belgian coach to further fine-tune combinations. The quality of opposition in the final preparation may determine how competitive the 1996 African champions will be at the continental showpiece.
The competition for places in the national side has gained steam as the 2025 AFCON finals draw closer. The coach is finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy everyone, with every squad announcement sparking fierce debate. High-performing players like Shandre Campbell, Thembinkosi Lorch, Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana and Gift Links have all been mentioned among those unlucky to be left out. It all underlines the immense pressure on the Belgian tactician who faces stern scrutiny with every choice he makes.
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals draw closer, Bafana Bafana managed a morale-boosting victory against Zambia during a friendly match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. South Africa's win comes just days after head coach Hugo Broos found himself in yet another storm following his player selection. The Belgian overlooked in-form Thembinkosi Lorch and Amakhosi stars who have been brilliant in the season, but the win is set to cushion him from the pressure he has been dealing with.
South Africa welcomed Chipolopolo to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, November 15, as part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December. The hosts secured a 3-1 victory, yet the Belgian tactician was not entirely satisfied with his team’s performance.
The Amakhosi goalkeeper has impressively kept seven clean sheets in 11 games this season, and he tops all other custodians in the PSL so far. Despite this form, he continues to be overlooked by the South Africa national team coach, Hugo Broos. Legend Doctor Khumalo is among those voicing strong support, insisting that Petersen fully deserves the national team nod.
GOAL gives you the details to follow South Africa's international friendly match against Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. It is their first match since qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in October. Now, Hugo Broos would be testing his men to see if they are the right material he needs at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Broos yet again found himself on the receiving end of intense criticism after he named his final squad to take on Chipolopolo in an international friendly game. The Belgian failed to include a single player from Naturena, even though some Amakhosi players have been doing well in the current season. Khumalo, a Bafana legend, has named a star he believes deserved a call-up because he says the player has been outstanding.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician believes the Bucs star is a type of player that can help the national team. However, he has stated that the Sea Robber must be paired with a specific player in order to make him become even more effective. The number 10 position has been giving Broos some headaches, given that his reliable players for that role have been battling injuries.
Coach Hugo Broos is turning this team into an African powerhouse, mostly using a group of close-knit players plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League. However, the Belgian boss will need to start integrating a handful of superstars based abroad if he wants to squeeze the maximum amount of juice out of this talented, improving squad.
The 30-year-old defender has stressed that the team is determined to follow Hugo Broos’ directives to the letter in their upcoming friendly against Zambia. Sibisi emphasised that every player understands the importance of the fixture, despite it being labeled a friendly, and that there is no room for complacency.
The South African senior men’s team is focused on building momentum, sharpening their tactics, and taking decisive steps forward as they prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The 29-year-old forward has once again been left out of coach Hugo Broos’ final squad for the clash against Zambia on Saturday afternoon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Despite consistently making his presence felt whenever he dons the Soweto giants’ jersey, the Belgian coach appears reluctant to place his trust in him. The repeated snubs have understandably left the striker frustrated, as he openly expresses the pain of being overlooked.
South Africa’s current head coach, Hugo Broos, is set to retire from professional coaching after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. His departure will mark the end of his tenure with Bafana Bafana, closing a defining chapter and opening the door for the search for a new tactician to guide the national team forward.
The former Masandawana player has endured a torrid time with injuries, but it seems the storm is over as he continues to dazzle with Sekhukhune United in the Premier Soccer League. The 28-year-old has been influential for Babina Noko since last season, forcing the National Team's technical staff to give him a chance.
The former Cape Town City midfielder continues to be overlooked for national team selection despite his consistent performances in Denmark. The 27-year-old last featured for South Africa during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, early in the Belgian's tenure as coach of the 1996 African champions. Several new faces have been introduced in the national side, while his absence has fanned some debate.
There have been questions to the National Team's technical team led by the Belgian on why Nyoso didn't make the squad preparing to play the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates versatile attacker has been on song in Morocco.
The Midnight Express has been identified as the right man to replace one of Bafana's greatest coaches when he steps down next year. The 56-year-old has enrolled for a coaching course and upon completion, will be eligible to take charge of an African senior national team.
