After South Africa failed to reach the last eight, several factors have been cited as contributing reasons for the poor showing in Morocco. But Broos has been mainly blamed for his tactics and changes to the line-up. Following the struggle, questions are now raised on whether Bafana will indeed manage to mount a better campaign during the upcoming global showpiece.
It’s no secret that pulling on the jersey of one of the Premier Soccer League's big three clubs is every player’s fast track to bigger dreams, complete with the perks, pressure, and glory that come with those famous badges; however, not everyone survives the ride. Some crash, some thrive. For the 25-year-old Bucs star, it’s been a winning journey, with the move to the Sea Robbers bringing a major boost both on and off the pitch.
The Pirates youngster was among the players who were handed their first AFCON starts, and he ended up struggling against the Indomitable Lions. Broos' tactical strategy has also come into sharp criticism, as many feel that he is responsible for the Round of 16 loss. After ending their campaign in the last four in Ivory Coast, this time around Bafana exited the campaign early, which means they failed to hit their AFCON target.
The South Africa versatile attacker has been excellent for both the Buccaneers and the national team across all competitions. There have been a host of clubs that have been heavily linked with the winger, but none have materialised so far despite the talent he has. The former Masandawana tactician has now revealed interest in the Bucs player.
As many try to wrap their heads around Bafana's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, some have pointed out what contributed to the poor show in Morocco. Despite starting the campaign with a win, South Africa's struggles were visible in games against Zimbabwe and Egypt. They were then exposed and beaten by Cameroon, who claimed a vital victory that propelled them to the quarter-finals.
South Africa were booted out of the continental competition at the Round of 16 stage by the Indomitable Lions in Rabat. The exit meant they failed to at least replicate the outing at the previous edition in Ivory Coast. They now head home, hoping their showing in Morocco will not demoralise them ahead of June's 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an attempt to ensure that South Africa remain in Morocco, the Belgian came up with what looked like a strange matchday plan, and also his team formation was not what he used to deploy. He made four changes to the squad that faced Cameroon and got eliminated. In the end, the strategy failed as Bafana saw their journey come to an end and the Indomitable Lions progressed to the last eight.
In a bid to create space for probably more new signings, the Soweto giants have confirmed the permanent exit of the star. Signed after impressing in his former Premier Soccer League side, the 25-year-old found it hard to settle and become a key player for the MTN8 champions. Faced with stiff competition, he had limited involvement in the ongoing season, as the club is focused on winning more local trophies after the CAF Champions League elimination.
The Buccaneers confirmed their first signing of January after securing the signature of the New Zealand international midfielder from Stellenbosch FC. The Soweto giants are beefing up their squad as they try to maintain top spot in the Premier Soccer League, as well as winning the Nedbank Cup in a season they could finish with a quadruple after claiming the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
The 24-year-old has been with the club since his early days in the game, coming through the ranks to represent the senior team and become a key player for the Cape Winelands region. Initially, the South Africa international had been linked with a move to the Soweto giants, but he has been convinced to stay.
The 33-year-old has opted to step down to lower-division football after carving out a career in the Premier Soccer League over the years, including playing for the Buccaneers. With his vast experience, he is expected to add leadership and quality as the Citizens push for a return to the top-flight league. His signing could be City’s clearest statement of their intent to reclaim PSL status.
The Soweto Giants have been exceptional in domestic competitions this season, where they have already secured two major titles and one unofficial one under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who replaced the Spaniard Jose Riveiro at the beginning of the 2025/26 season. The former Morocco international is hoping to win the remaining two local titles.
The 1996 winners failed to find a way past the five-time champions, the Indomitable Lions, in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ongoing in the North African country of Morocco. South Africa were punished for an inconsistent start against a determined opponent who will now be hoping to go all the way.
The 31-year-old Belgian-Bosnian forward lasted just five months at Iranian Pro League side Zob Ahan after moving to Asia amid reported interest from some of the PSL’s big clubs. At the time, he had also openly expressed his desire to play for the PSL's traditional giants, fuelling speculation about a high-profile local move. However, he is now back in South Africa and has opted to restart his career in the National First Division.
The 21-year-old is among the most talented attackers in the Premier Soccer League, always bringing his 'A' game when representing either the Buccaneers or the national team, Bafana Bafana. However, his future with the Sea Robbers is in doubt after his recent admission from Morocco, where he is taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The reigning Premier Soccer League champions have once again decided to break the bank and get a player they feel will help them meet their target for the season after losing a key player at the beginning of the 2025/26 season. Apart from the South African top flight, the Brazilians are hoping to challenge for the CAF Champions League crown.
In a bid to return stronger and sharper for the second round of the Premier Soccer League campaign, Masandawana have added another arsenal to their striking department. After the departure of Lucas Ribeiro, there were fears Sundowns would struggle to get another equally capable goal-scoring machine, but the Brazilians could prove doubters wrong, given who they signed in the last transfer window. Even before the new signings fully settle, the league's defending champions are set to add another star from South America.
South Africa is among the 16 teams that made it out of the initial group stage after finishing second in their pool, which had the seven-time champions Egypt who eventually topped it, alongside COSAFA duo Zimbabwe and Angola, who were eliminated. Former Buccaneers tactician hopes to see his country in the final but has branded another team as the 'most dangerous.'
The Africa Cup of Nations has reached a critical juncture where there are no second chances. Given that South Africa struggled against 10-man Egypt and were given a run for their money by Zimbabwe, there are suggestions that it is time for Hugo Broos to tweak his lineups. But can the Belgian tactician afford to massively tweak his lineup when South Africa need to win to remain competing in Morocco?
The 25-year-old former AmaZulu player has been doing well for South Africa in the biennial competition, having made two direct contributions to the five goals Hugo Broos' men scored in Group B to finish second with six points behind seven-time champions Egypt. The winger is expected to play a crucial role in the knockout phase.
The 2023/24 Carling Knockout champions have once again lost an influential figure in the dressing room amid their struggles in the Premier Soccer League, where they have been posting inconsistent results this season. Former Amakhosi coach Gavin Hunt, who took over from Steve Barker, will have to find a suitable replacement before club football resumes.
The Sea Robbers, under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, have been exceptional in the domestic competitions this season, where they have already won two titles. The Buccaneers are also targeting the South African top-flight crown they last won more than a decade ago, but will have to do it without one of their key players.
The 20-year-old made a surprising move to Major League Soccer, where he joined the Chicago Fire, who showed interest after the youngster's consistent displays for the Sea Robbers. There have been contradicting reactions to the youngster's decision to join the latter from the Premier Soccer League; a section has been supporting while others feel otherwise.
The 1996 winners finished second in Group B, which had the seven-time champions alongside COSAFA duo Angola and Zimbabwe. South Africa were not convincing despite having fielded a team with players who have been playing together for a long time under coach Hugo Broos. Ahead of the Round of 16, the organisers have revealed a list of those who impressed in the initial phase.
South Africa face the Indomitable Lions in a 2025 AFCON Round of 16 match at Al Medina Stadium on Sunday. It is a match both sides know that there is a high possibility the winner will face hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals. Fans have reacted with much interest in this pairing between Hugo Broos' side and the Central Africans.
With the transfer market taking centre stage regarding players’ futures, the midfielder has admitted his interest in returning to the Premier Soccer League. The experienced player is hoping for “an opportunity somewhere else” after South Africa’s campaign in the African Cup of Nations. He also admitted that he would love to play for Amakhosi.
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