Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane and Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi were both left out, decisions that will no doubt spark debate across South Africa.
Bafana have been drawn into a tough Group B, where they will face neighbours Zimbabwe, a hard-working Angola side, and seven-time Afcon champions Egypt. It’s already being called one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
Broos’ team will open their campaign against Angola in just under a month. The squad carries confidence from their memorable run at the last Afcon in Ivory Coast, where South Africa shocked the continent by finishing third. That journey included a famous win over Morocco in the last 16 and one of the greatest penalty shootouts in Afcon history, highlighted by Ronwen Williams’ legendary four penalty saves, a moment that turned him into a continental hero.
With those achievements still fresh, Bafana are aiming even higher this time. The goal is clear: improve on the bronze medal and write an even brighter chapter in South African football.
Broos announced the squad from Belgium, where he will travel to the 2026 Fifa World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington D.C., before returning to South Africa to begin Afcon preparations.
“On Monday we start our preparation,” said Broos.
“The Orlando Pirates players might get one or two extra days off because of the Carling Knockout Cup final this weekend. But from Wednesday next week, I want everyone in camp, and we will play our last friendly on the 16th.”
Broos added that selecting the squad came with difficult choices.
“The most important thing is quality, choosing the best players for each position and making sure we have options to change tactics during the tournament,” he said. “Some positions were not easy, but we had to make decisions. We are going to Afcon with more experience than we’ve had over the last two years, and this team is starting to mature.”
