Hugo Broos Announced His Final 23-Man Squad For The AFCON

The Belgian mentor named his final 23-man squad that will represent South Africa in the African Cup of Nations kicking off next month in Ivory Coast.

A distinctive name that is missing in the squad is the Burnley forward, Lyle Foster who returned to competitive football against Liverpool on Tuesday after temporarily stepping away from football to prioritise his mental well-being. Lyle Foster has played ten games this season for Burnley, scoring three crucial goals for the club, and is the first South African to score in the Premier League since 2013.

Coach Hugo Broos alluded, in his effort to contact the player’s club to enquire about the player, they mentioned Foster was not available for selection to play in the AFCON. “After contacting Burnley, they mentioned to me it was impossible for Foster to play in the AFCON, and he was not happy to be included in the preliminary squad”.

There is no Kaizer Chiefs representative in the squad, with goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma and defender Given Msimango dropped. Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng also fell victim to omission due to lack of game time.

Cape Town City’s all-time goalscorer and Dstv Premiership joint top goal-scorer, Khanyiso Mayo was another surprise omission, Broos opted for Orlando Pirates duo, Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa.

Here is the full Bafana Bafana squad for the AFCON:

Goalkeepers:  Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)

Defenders: Sydney Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Khuliso Mudua, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Terrence Mashigo (all Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko, Thapelo Morena (All Sundowns) Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC)

Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Zakhele Lepasa (both Pirates), Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Oswin Appolis (Polokwane City)

🔔 𝔹𝔸𝔽𝔸ℕ𝔸 𝕊ℚ𝕌𝔸𝔻 𝔸ℕℕ𝕆𝕌ℕℂ𝔼𝕄𝔼ℕ𝕋 🔔

Coach Hugo Broos has announced his squad for the #AFCON2023! #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/6C1DRIsjZ2

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) December 28, 2023