Hugo Broos has rolled the dice on veteran playmaker, Themba Zwane, after naming him in his 54-man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Monday, 24 November.

The 36-year-old defender has barely featured for Mamelodi Sundowns this season owing to injury, but Broos appears convinced the midfielder can still influence matches on the continent’s largest stage. Zwane was central to Bafana’s run to third place at the last tournament.

The expanded squad blends stalwarts with an energetic crop of recent call-ups. Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa remain key figures, while the likes of Oswin Appollis, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng have pushed their way into contention after impressive breakthroughs in 2025.

There is no place for Thembinkosi Lorch despite his strong club form, and former fan favourite Percy Tau misses out as well. Broos’ group includes a dozen overseas-based players, though some of the youngest prospects may ultimately fall short when the list is trimmed to 23 in early December.

Bafana open their Group B campaign against Angola on 22 December, before facing Egypt and Zimbabwe, as Broos looks to build on the team’s growing momentum ahead of next year’s World Cup.

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