Junior Khanye: Former PSL Star Names 3 Key Players for Bafana Bafana at AFCON
- A former Premier Soccer League star has pointed out three players who would be crucial for Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- South Africa are placed in Group B and would kick start their campaign in the tournament against Angola on Monday evening
- The former PSL winger's comments gathered mixed reactions from South Africans on social media ahead of Angola's clash
Former Premier Soccer League star Junior Khanye has mentioned three players he believes will play pivotal roles for Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Source: Getty Images
Bafana Bafana finished third at the previous tournament in Ivory Coast and are placed in Group B for this year's edition, opening their campaign against Angola on Monday, December 22, 2025, in Morocco.
South Africa are also ranked among the favourites to win the competition this year, but they would need to be at their very best to get past other strong contenders.
Khanye names Bafana's key players for AFCON
Khanye singled out Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi as the key players for Hugo Broos’ squad. He described Mokoena, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, as the cornerstone around which Bafana Bafana should be built.
“Teboho Mokoena is the player you structure the squad around,” Khanye said in a recent interview ahead of Bafana Bafana’s first AFCON 2025 game.
“He is consistently reliable, disciplined, and committed. Mokoena can score, defend, and control the game. He has grown immensely, performing in the Champions League year after year, winning domestic titles, and excelling alongside top-tier teammates at Sundowns. He rarely gets injured and always gives his all; he’s truly indispensable.”
Regarding Mbule, Khanye emphasised the Orlando Pirates star’s natural talent and fearless approach, though he believes the midfielder could improve his work rate.
“Secondly, Sipho ‘Zidane’ Mbule deserves recognition. Credit to Hugo Broos for utilising him in his best position and for nicknaming him ‘Zidane’ due to his style,” Khanye said.
“He is a rare talent with exceptional football intelligence. Even when he didn’t start, he proved to be a game-changer in the Champions League for Sundowns. I watched him against Nigeria, and he was outstanding against world-class opposition; he could easily have been Man of the Match.
"Mbule shouldn’t be warming the bench at Orlando Pirates. When he plays, he does things few others can. He just needs to stay injury-free and work slightly harder on his stamina, as he is crucial for Bafana Bafana.”
Source: Getty Images
The former Kaizer Chiefs star's opinion sparked different reactions and views from fans on social media.
Sibusiso Mngomezulu wrote:
"If you were to challenge yourself in your comment, although I never played soccer, all players selected are as good as you can think, but give me the spine of the team. From the keeper, at least two defenders, Mbule and Mokoena, yes and a centre forward."
Kayza Kayaletu said:
"Mokeona is overrated, there I said it."
Walter Mabooa shared:
"Every player we have in this Bafana are important for this AFCON."
Edo commented:
"Mxm. Why must we hear it from a former player like Khanye? This boy is annoying."
EL Espolon implied:
"Every player is vital in our squad, wena sdakwa."
Ntuthuko N✌🏾Mtakajaja reacted:
"Williams, Mokoena, Mudau; Those will be our important players coz they have a winning mentality when it comes to BIG TROPHIES 💪🏾."
Chiwah_R added:
"They are all important, that's why theyare there."
Maswanganyi opens up on Bafana snub
Briefly News earlier reported that Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi opened up on missing out on the final Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON.
The South African international was part of the 54-man provisional list, but was cut from the final pick by Hugo Broos.
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Source: Briefly News
