Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has strongly indicated that a rising star from Orlando Pirates is almost certain to be included in his final AFCON squad.
Bafana are set to participate in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, scheduled from late December 2025 to mid-January 2026.
The tournament begins on December 21, 2025, with the final set for January 18, 2026. South Africa, in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Egypt, and Angola. They will kick off their campaign on December 22 against the Palancas Negras in Marrakech.
Broos is expected to announce his final AFCON squad at the beginning of December. The team will go into camp on December 8, 2025, before departing for Morocco a week later.
Interestingly, the 73-year-old coach has hinted that a Bucs star is almost certain to be part of his AFCON squad.
WHICH PIRATES STAR IS HUGO BROOS EARMARKING FOR AFCON SELECTION?
“I’m a Bafana Bafana coach and I will talk to him [MbekezeliMbokazi], certainly when we’re in AFCON. I will have the time. Hope he listens,” Broos told journalists at a media roundtable held at the SAFA House.
The Belgian coach, known for his straightforward approach, was discussing how he would share insights and advice on the young defender’s career trajectory. “I think he will listen because he’s a very humble guy, but when you’re in an environment that can make you crazy, a guy at 20 will be crazy also, so it’s something I will certainly do. I spoke to [Relebohile] Mofokeng also,” he added.
Despite being only 20, Mbokazi has emerged as a key defensive stalwart following his impressive performances at Pirates. His rise comes in the absence of Mothobi Mvala, who is sidelined with a long-term injury, and Rushwin Dortley, both of whom are ruled out of the AFCON. The KZN-born defender recently represented the national team in high-stakes matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, demonstrating the trust his coach has in him.
‘YOU CAN’T BLAME RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’
Regarding Mofokeng, the AFCON-winning coach with Cameroon admitted that the transfer noise around the youngster had negatively affected his form. Mofokeng has been linked to a transfer overseas.
Interestingly, Mohau Nkota, who graduated from the DStv DiskiChallenge side last season, recently transferred to Saudi club Al Ettifaq. Meanwhile, Mofokeng, now in his third season in top-flight football, remains with the Buccaneers and has seen his form decline.
“Why is Rele not at the level he was last year? It’s very clear, they made him crazy!” Broos exclaimed. “You can’t ask a guy at the age of 20, that he can say yes, I’m concentrating on football, not what those guys are telling me, I’m not listening. At the end, you listen, and this is normal; you can’t blame Mofokeng for that.”
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