Bafana Bafana Target AFCON Gold After Bronze Success

Bafana Bafana return to the Africa Cup of Nations with renewed belief and higher expectations. In the last tournament hosted in Ivory Coast, South Africa finished with a bronze medal. This time, former Bafana defender Edward Magents Motale believes the target is clear. Gold.

Motale shared his views during the Bafana Bafana send-off event held at the FNB Stadium on Thursday afternoon. Speaking to journalists, he said the current technical team has learned from the previous campaign. He believes the lessons from Ivory Coast have shaped a stronger and more focused squad.

According to Motale, head coach Hugo Broos and his technical team have spent time analysing past performances. He said corrections have been made in key areas. These include match management, consistency and decision-making in pressure moments. For Motale, this preparation sets the foundation for a serious title challenge.

He stressed the importance of starting the tournament well. A strong opening result, he said, can shift the mood within the squad and among supporters.

“A win will be a very good start, confidently so. It will motivate everybody, them and us, the supporters, to wear more of these jerseys,” Motale said.

Motale, who also captained Orlando Pirates to CAF Champions League success during his playing career, understands tournament football. He believes momentum plays a decisive role at AFCON. Early confidence can carry a team through tough group matches and into the knockout rounds.

Reflecting on the bronze medal finish, Motale said it should fuel ambition rather than satisfaction. He is convinced the coaching duo of Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele have set their sights higher.

“I think they probably, Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele, did their homework very well, and they did their corrections after the bronze. So, going to this one, I think they’ll be gunning for gold,” he said.

Bafana Bafana face a challenging group. South Africa has been drawn alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. Two of these teams come from the COSAFA region, which adds familiarity and intensity to the fixtures.

South Africa opens its group campaign against Angola on 22 December. This match will be crucial in setting the tone. They will then face Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion with a strong tournament pedigree. The group stage concludes with a match against Zimbabwe.

Each game will test depth, discipline and tactical clarity. Angola and Zimbabwe know Bafana well, while Egypt brings continental experience and pressure.

For Motale, the combination of improved preparation and past success gives reason for optimism. He believes the squad understands what it takes to compete at this level. More importantly, he believes they now understand what it takes to win.

As the team departs for the tournament, expectations are rising. Bronze proved Bafana Bafana can compete with Africa’s best. Gold is now the goal.