Bafana Bafana Gear Up for 2025 COSAFA Cup with CHAN Preparations in Sight

Bafana Bafana will return to the COSAFA Cup this June with clear intentions: reclaim the title they last won in 2021 and fine-tune their squad ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). South Africa’s national team has been drawn in Group A alongside neighbours Zimbabwe, as well as Mozambique and Mauritius, in what promises to be a competitive pool.

The 2025 COSAFA Cup is set to take place in Bloemfontein from June 4 to 15, marking a return to one of South Africa’s historic footballing cities. With the CHAN tournament on the horizon in August — to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — the regional showpiece offers an ideal platform for players to cement their spots in the national team setup.

South Africa will avoid regional guests Morocco, who headline Group C. This puts the spotlight on the Southern African rivals, with Zimbabwe expected to offer a stern challenge in the group stage. The renewal of that rivalry adds a layer of anticipation to what is already a crucial tournament for Bafana’s broader ambitions in 2024.

The COSAFA Cup will serve as a key preparation tool for CHAN, particularly since the latter only features players who ply their trade in domestic leagues. As a result, many of the players who helped South Africa secure CHAN qualification are expected to make up the core of the COSAFA squad. This includes promising talents who are looking to impress Bafana head coach Hugo Broos and force their way into the senior national team.

The tournament also represents an opportunity for fringe players to emerge. Last year, players like Rushwin Dortley, Thabang Matuludi, and Thabo Moloisane used the tournament to elevate their profiles and catch the eye of national selectors. A similar path awaits those who shine in Bloemfontein next month.

Molefi Ntseki, who was at the helm during CHAN qualification, is likely to be entrusted with leading Bafana Bafana at the COSAFA Cup, providing a sense of continuity and tactical familiarity as the team builds momentum for continental duties.

With the squad announcement expected in the coming days, anticipation is building for a tournament that could play a crucial role in shaping South Africa’s future on the African football stage. For Bafana Bafana, this COSAFA Cup is not just about silverware — it’s about laying the foundation for even bigger success later in the year.