At least five members of Bafana Bafana will not be part of the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled for next year.
The upcoming AFCON will be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Following Bafana‘s exit in the round of 16 this year, the focus now shifts to the FIFA World Cup later this year.
Coach Hugo Broos has selected a younger squad compared to the one that competed in the Ivory Coast two years ago.
Following a third-place finish in that tournament, many expected Bafana to perform well again this year, but a 2-1 defeat brought them back to reality.
Bafana disappointing at AFCON
Currently, only Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Ricardo Goss, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Aubrey Modiba are older than 30. The rest of the squad consists of younger players, including two who participated in the U/20 World Cup.
Here are the Bafana players likely to miss AFCON next year:
Themba Zwane
Zwane, also known as Mshishi, missed the AFCON due to injury and was greatly missed in the midfield. He played a crucial role in securing the team’s bronze medal two years ago and could potentially participate in the World Cup if selected.
Grant Kekana
Kekana, who is turning 34 this year, may still push for a World Cup spot, but he is unlikely to be in contention for AFCON 2027.
With Mbekezeli Mbokazi having taken over in defense, Kekana will be supported by players like Lebona Seema, Aden McCarthy, Thabo Moloisane, and Tylon Smith.
Mothobi Mvala
Mvala was a solid performer for Bafana at the previous AFCON, but injuries have limited his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, resulting in his absence from this tournament.
He is unlikely to play in the World Cup, and considering that the national team will be under a different coach, he probably won’t be part of the plans for 2027.
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Sibisi, who turned 30 in September, may not have many international matches left ahead of him. He looked shaky in defence against Cameroon, and if he does not improve his defensive skills, he might not make the World Cup squad.
Given his age and the number of younger defenders available, it is likely that he will not participate in another AFCON.
Percy Tau
The former Al Ahly striker is unlikely to represent Bafana again. Tau has been a loyal servant for South African football, delivering several strong performances between 2021 and 2023.
Although he played for Bafana in the 2023 AFCON, he showed signs of decline and has not fully regained his former level of performance.