Themba Zwane and Two Other Players Who Shouldn’t Make Bafana Bafana Final Squad for AFCON
- Hugo Broos has been urged not to include some players who made his Bafana Bafana preliminary squad in the final list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- The former Belgian international released a provisional squad ahead of the competition that consists of 55 players
- A sports journalist told Briefly News exclusively that some players on the list don't deserve to make the final squad
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has released his preliminary squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.
Source: Getty Images
The former Cameroon national team manager included 55 players on the list and is expected to announce the final 23-man squad on Monday, according to a report.
The preliminary list features some of the favourite players who have regularly featured under Broos during the AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
A sports journalist has shared his thoughts ahead of Broos naming the final squad for the tournament.
Players who shouldn’t make the final list
Sports journalist Moses Mbogo, during an exclusive interview with Briefly News, highlighted several players he believes should not be included in the Bafana Bafana final squad.
Themba Zwane was the first player mentioned by Mbogo, as he felt his injury problems since last season show why he shouldn't be included in the final list, despite being one of the players Broos claimed he's counting on for AFCON and the World Cup.
“I think Themba Zwane shouldn’t make the final squad for the AFCON. With all due respect to Zwane, he has missed so many games due to injury and has not played a competitive game for months,” he said.
“Zwane might bring loads of experience, but the team has been performing well without him. I think either Sipho Mbule or Patrick Maswanganyi can slot in perfectly into his position.”
Source: Getty Images
Mbogo also questioned the inclusion of goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
“Ricardo Goss is another player who shouldn’t be making the list as he’s not better than the other goalkeepers selected. Broos has stuck with Goss in his team for a while, but they need the best legs for AFCON, and Brandon Petersen has been good this season.”
He also raised concerns about Fawaaz Basadien’s inclusion.
“Fawaaz Basadien is another player who shouldn’t be travelling to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. We might all agree he made the wrong move to Sundowns, and that decision has definitely affected his chances in the national team. I’m surprised he made the preliminary squad.”
Mbogo further elaborated on Basadien’s dip in form since joining Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC earlier this year.
“Basadien should’ve stayed at Stellenbosch FC if he wasn’t guaranteed to be a starter at Sundowns, because the competition at his new club is fierce, with Aubrey Modiba and Divine Lunga still at the top of their game,” he added.
“The best option for Basadien in the summer, if he wanted a move, would have been to join either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates. He would’ve had a better chance to break into the starting line-up without too much pressure. He has played only a few games this season, and I’m honestly surprised he made Broos’ preliminary squad.”
Mokwena names Zwane's replacement in Bafana Bafana
Briefly News also reported that former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena named the ideal replacement for Zwane in the Bafana Bafana squad.
The Sundowns captain has been struggling with injuries since last season, and it is yet to be confirmed if he will be fully fit before AFCON kicks off.
Source: Briefly News
