Bafana Bafana Supporters Urged to Focus on Team Ahead of AFCON 2025
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has urged South Africans to remain calm and united around Bafana Bafana following growing speculation about Africa Cup of Nations bonuses. The minister emphasized that all player incentives have already been agreed upon and that public attention should stay on supporting the national team.
McKenzie addressed the issue on social media after South Africa’s 1-0 victory over Ghana in a warm-up match on Tuesday. He dismissed reports about player bonuses as incorrect and unnecessary, stressing the importance of rallying behind the team. “Player bonuses have been agreed already, separately from what we as government are giving. Right now, all we need is to rally behind the players and the team. We’re winning this Cup,” he wrote.
The win over Ghana marked Bafana Bafana’s final friendly ahead of the squad’s departure to Morocco for the AFCON 2025 tournament. Coach Hugo Broos will now focus on final preparations, including recovery, tactical refinement, and match readiness. South Africa opens its campaign against Angola next Monday.
Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 Group Fixtures
Monday, 22 December: South Africa vs Angola – 19:00
Friday, 26 December: Egypt vs South Africa – 17:00
Monday, 29 December: Zimbabwe vs South Africa – 18:00
Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
Defenders: Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Tylon Smith (QPR, England)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Sipho Mbule (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al-Khazem, Saudi Arabia), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Players on Standby: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC)
McKenzie’s message underscores the need for national unity as Bafana Bafana prepares to compete at AFCON 2025. With the squad finalized and preparations complete, the focus will now shift entirely to performance on the pitch. Fans are encouraged to support the team and avoid distractions related to speculation over player bonuses.
