Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was hopping mad as he addressed the media following defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s late arrival for the national team camp. Broos was briefing the media on preparations ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Mbokazi, who will be joining Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates, missed his flight from Durban to Johannesburg on Tuesday, resulting in his late arrival. “Mbokazi, he just arrived or will arrive in 15 minutes,”…

The general consensus appears to be that Bafana Bafana are in a comfortable group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana are placed in Group A alongside hosts Mexico and South Korea, while Denmark are favourites to win the play-offs and join this group. “It’s not an easy one. First of all, you have to play the first game of the tournament against Mexico in Azteca Stadium, a home game for Mexico, so it will be very tough for us…

It is now public knowledge that Belgian mentor Hugo Broos will be leaving Bafana Bafana to return to his homeland after next year’s FIFA World Cup. Broos, however, would still have South Africa’s interests at heart beyond the global showpiece. He has hinted at a consultancy role, but some recent call-ups would be considered great for the future of South African football. He raised some eyebrows when he called up 20-year-old center-back Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell, who is also…

With no major surprises, the Bafana Bafana squad heading to the Africa Cup of Nations has been unveiled. Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos announced the final 25-man squad on Monday afternoon.  The squad is largely what was predicted by African Times a few days ago. The only notable absentee is Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane, who’s battled injuries, as well as club teammate Iqraam Rayners, but the latter has been placed on standby, alongside Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala and…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will on Monday, 1 December, announce Bafana Bafana’s final squad heading to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Earlier this week, the Belgian named a 54-man provisional team. Each participating team can submit a list of up to 27 players, but the Confederation of African football (CAF) will only cover travel and accommodation costs for 23 players. This means the countries that take more than 23 players will be liable for the costs of…

Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been announced. Bafana coach Hugo Broos made the announcement on Monday afternoon, with the final 23-man squad expected to be confirmed next week. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set a deadline of 11 December for all final squad submissions ahead of the tournament to be hosted by Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. Broos’ men were drawn in Group B, alongside Angola…

African Times has picked 10 players that have done enough to convince Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to include them in his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Bafana Bafana’s opening match of the tournament will be against Angola on 22 December in Marrakech, followed by a clash against Egypt on 26 December in Agadir, before they conclude their group stage assignment when they challenge neighbours Zimbabwe, also in Marrakech. “It’s not difficult (to select the 23-man…

Bafana Bafana mentor Hugo Broos is not at all bothered by keyboard warriors as he continues to guide South Africa’s senior football national team. The 73-year-old has been at the helm since 2021, and not only has Bafana Bafana improved on the FIFA rankings (position 75 to 59), but the team finished third in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as well as qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Despite this, Broos has had his…

At 32 years old, Thembinkosi Lorch’s hopes of a return to the Bafana Bafana fold have been dashed. The Wydad Casablanca forward has been performing admirably, leading to calls for his return to the national team setup. He has nine Bafana Bafana caps, with his last appearance coming about two years ago. This season, he has three goals and three assists in seven matches in the CAF Confederation Cup and Botola Pro League. However, this has done nothing to convince…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named the squad to face Zambia in a friendly international next month. Broos has picked 36 players in the preliminary squad, which will be trimmed to 23 players in the coming days. Bafana Bafana will host Chipolopolo at a venue yet to be confirmed on 14 November, during the FIFA international break. Both teams will use the friendly as part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in…