Hugo Broos Hopes to Have Themba Zwane and Sipho Mbule Available for Upcoming AFCON

• Hugo Broos has named two players he wants to be available for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
• The Belgian tactician is sweating over the fitness of one of the players currently, as he's out of action due to injury
• Bafana Bafana fans also aired their views on Broos' opinion on having the two players available for the competition in December

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named two Premier Soccer League stars he hopes to have in his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco.

The Belgian tactician qualified Bafana Bafana for back-to-back AFCON competitions after finishing third in the last edition in Ivory Coast. They will face Egypt and other top nations in the group stage in Morocco in December 2025.

South Africa have lost some of their key players to injuries recently, but they still have a pool of talent to pick from when they are ready to go for the tournament.

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Broos names key players for 2025 AFCON

Ahead of AFCON preparations, Broos claims he hopes to have Sipho Mbule and Themba Zwane in the Bafana Bafana squad that will represent South Africa in the competition.

Broos reflected on Mbule’s development, noting that he first called him up four years ago and immediately recognised his talent. Broos explained that Mbule had faced distractions in the past that pulled him away from football, but now he understands the demands of being a professional player both on and off the field.

Broos emphasised Mbule’s growing importance to the national team, saying he told the midfielder that this is his second chance, with AFCON and the World Cup ahead. He highlighted how dangerous Mbule is whenever he is on the ball, though the team didn’t utilise him enough in the first half of their recent match.

The former Cameroon national team coach added that while Mbule is now a key player, the team still needs cover in case of injury, referencing the previous challenge they faced with Themba Zwane, who is currently injured.

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He remains hopeful that both Mbule and Zwane will continue to perform at a high level for their clubs, allowing South Africa to field a stronger squad with the two players in the coming weeks and beyond.

Here's what fans are saying about Broos' discussion about having Zwane and Mbule fit for AFCON.

Slim Dady Slim Thamaga wrote:

That’s the problem!… Even if Mshishi is fit, but he hasn’t played for months!..and we know he is a rare talent irreplaceable!…but Lorch can fill up that gap!

Khaya Racaza reacted:

"We need to respect each other's opinions, no need to be rude when I comment on something that you don't agree with. 🙏🙏."

Nkieane Laurent Ntlatlapa said:

"I think he can try Rele as a 10 and Mbule as an 8, then put Mrembola behind them."

MndeniZola shared:

"Themba Zwane is 36, turning 3,7, but Huge Bross is saying Lorch is old while he is a beast in Morocco and turning heads with assists plus goals. This football is not fair, even Mofokeng doesn't deserve AFCON ahead of Lorch based on current form. I love Pirates and Mofokeng."

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Mr Jay Tazz added:

"Please let Legend rest...We are focusing on the Future, Themba is the past."

Mbule shares what Broos told Bafana

Briefly News earlier reported that Sipho Mbule shared what Broos told Bafana Bafana ahead of their friendly game against Zambia.

The Orlando Pirates midfielder was one of the best players in the game against the 2012 AFCON winners.

Source: Briefly News