Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos faces key decisions as he finalizes his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, particularly regarding playmaker Themba Zwane's injury concerns. Zwane, a 36-year-old star, has been sidelined by recent injuries, prompting Broos to test alternatives. The selection comes after a successful run with local players leading to bronze at the 2023 Afcon and World Cup qualification.
Hugo Broos, the Belgian coach of South Africa's national soccer team Bafana Bafana, is preparing to name his final 27-player squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set for Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. A major dilemma centers on veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, who at 36 has battled injuries throughout 2025, limiting his playtime and raising doubts about his readiness.
Zwane, known for his professionalism and skill since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2011, has been a cornerstone under Broos, often lining up with captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Khuliso Mudau. His last appearance for Sundowns was on September 14, 2025, in a Premiership match against Magesi, after which an injury sidelined him. Broos recently stated, “He didn’t play [much] this season. So, for Afcon it will be difficult for Themba, very difficult. But yeah — I still hope for next year — but we will see.”
To fill the creative role, Broos has experimented with players like Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Sipho Mbule from Orlando Pirates. On Mbule, Broos noted, “Sipho was with us from the first day I was here, and I saw what a good player he was... When we were looking for a replacement for Themba, we tried Patrick and then we talked about Sipho.” Despite their talent, former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena emphasized Zwane's uniqueness: “You can’t replace Mshishi. But of course, you can play without Mshishi. He is special and he is a generational talent.”
Broos announced a 54-player preliminary list dominated by local Premier Soccer League talents, a strategy that delivered bronze at the 2023 Afcon in Ivory Coast and qualification for South Africa's first World Cup since 2010. Zwane's leadership could prove vital in a youthful squad, as Bafana Bafana aims to surpass their 1996 continental triumph under Clive Barker—Broos himself won the title with Cameroon in 2017.