Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Thabang Monare has offered words of wisdom to the national team debutantes ahead of their CAF 2025 AFCON first match against Angola on Monday.
Bafana are pitted against Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola in Group B. South Africa will face off against Angola on Monday, December 22, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. The kick-off for Bafana’s AFCON opener is at 19:00.
The AFCON competition is hosted in Morocco and started on Sunday, 21 December, with the hosts securing a 2-0 win over Comoros in the tournament’s opening match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium this evening.
Some of the Bafana debutantes at this prestigious continental tournament include a strong contingent of Orlando Pirates stars. They are Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Chaine, Sipho Mbule, and Tshepang Moremi. They are joined by two Pirates graduates who have recently secured moves abroad: Mohau Nkota [Al Ettifaq] and Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Chicago Fire FC].
Rounding out the list of debutants is an exciting mix of PSL talent and European-based professionals: Khulumani Ndamane [TS Galaxy], Thabang Matuludi [Polokwane City FC]. Samukelo Kabini [Molde FK], Shandre Campbell [Club Brugge], Siyabonga Ngezana [FCSB], and Tylon Smith [Queens Park Rangers].
With Bafana having secured a bronze medal in the last edition held in Ivory Coast in 2024, the highly-rated debutantes will be expected to help Hugo Broos’ charges go all the way to the finals.
WHAT THABANG MONARE SAID ABOUT BAFANA BAFANA’S AFCON DEBUTANTES
Monare, a bronze medalist with the 2024 Bafana Bafana AFCON squad, expressed confidence that the team’s debutants are in good hands.
He highlighted that the squad remains anchored by veterans from the previous tournament who are ready to provide mentorship and guidance. Some of these experienced campaigners include captain Rownen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sphephelo Sithole, and Evidence Makgopa.
“Well, I think most of the guys who were there in the previous AFCON tournament are there. They will give proper advice to the debutantes,” said Monare.
“But I think they will do well. However, what I can say to them is: ‘all the best, let’s just work hard’. We have a good squad and good individual players. I believe we can go all the way.
“This was proven in the last tournament. We got to play against top players from around the African continent and Europe. It was a great learning experience, and I think the debutantes will get to experience it this year. We ended up on the podium, and that was one of the best moments.”
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