The wait is over, South Africa! Hugo Broos has announced his 25-man Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, and there are definitely some surprises. The squad announcement, made in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, has sparked debate amongst fans and pundits alike.
Surprise Inclusions and Omissions
While players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates unsurprisingly dominate the squad, the big talking point is the omission of veteran Themba Zwane. Despite recovering from injury and featuring for Sundowns, Zwane didn't make the final cut. Broos cited lack of game time as the reason for leaving out the experienced midfielder.
However, there's good news for Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who returns to the squad after missing the previous AFCON due to mental health concerns. Crystal Palace's 20-year-old Tylon Smith, who captained Amajita to victory in the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, also gets a nod, marking his first appearance in the senior squad.
Squad Breakdown
Here's a quick look at the squad:
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumane Ndamane, Tylon Smith
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (incomplete list, as the provided text was cut off)
Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane are on standby, ready to step in if needed. The omission of Rayners, who was a top scorer in the Betway Premiership, has also raised eyebrows.
Tough Group Stage Ahead
Bafana Bafana are in Group B alongside Angola, Zimbabwe, and Egypt. Their opening match is against Angola on December 22nd. The team will be looking to improve on their third-place finish in the previous AFCON.
The exclusion of in-form players like Thembinkosi Lorch and Bradley Grobler from the preliminary squad has also drawn criticism. Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Benedict Vilakazi questioned the selection criteria, emphasizing the importance of both experience and current form.
Will Broos' choices pay off? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: all eyes will be on Bafana Bafana as they aim for glory in Morocco.