BAFANA Bafana are gearing up for the 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Coach Hugo Broos has announced his much-anticipated 25-man squad that will carry Mzansi's hopes.
The tournament kicks off in December 2025 and wraps up in January 2026, and Broos said South Africa is ready for the fight.
The 73-year-old mentor, speaking virtually from Belgium where he is spending time with his family, said assembling the squad was no simple task.
"First thing, you want a list of players as big as possible so that the choices are good and you can make the right ones," he said.
Broos believes quality and experience will be Bafana's biggest weapons this time around.
"A lot can happen in a tournament, but the quality is the most important thing. The way we qualified and the previous Afcon was very good. We have a strong team.
"When we go to Afcon, it's different. The status of South Africa is different now. It will be difficult, but I'm very confident. I know the players we have are good," he said.
The coach said the lessons from the Ivory Coast Afcon, where Bafana returned home with a proud bronze medal, have hardened the team.
"We learnt a lot, and we are much more experienced and mature."
Bafana have been drawn in a tough group alongside Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe.
They open their campaign against Angola on 22 December, face the Pharaohs on 26 December, and wrap up with Zimbabwe on 29 December.
Broos stressed that the opening match could determine SA's fate.
"It's very important to win the first game. At the previous Afcon, we lost the first match, and your back is against the wall immediately. When you win the first game, you make a big step toward the group stage," said the mentor.
He insists Bafana must at least get out of the group.
"We won bronze last time. We cannot afford to fail in the group stages," said the coach.
BAFANA'S 25-MAN SQUAD
- Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
- Defenders:
Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Tylon Smith, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Samukelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Midfielders:
Tebogo Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole
- Forwards:
Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkotha, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana, Shandre Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng
