New Orlando Pirates Star Included as Bafana Bafana Announce 23-Man Squad
Bafana Bafana have named their 23-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against Zambia, with a newly-signed Orlando Pirates star among the fresh faces. The match will take place on Saturday, 15 November at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Eastern Cape. This friendly is part of South Africa’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in December, where the team will compete in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The squad reflects a balance of experienced players and emerging talent ahead of the continental tournament.
Head coach Hugo Broos initially named a 36-man preliminary squad before trimming it down to the final 23 players. Two notable inclusions are Masindi Nemtajela and Keletso Makgalwa. Nemtajela has recently become a key figure under Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The 23-year-old has not yet debuted for Bafana Bafana’s senior side but played for the B team at this year’s COSAFA tournament, showing promise and readiness for the first team. His inclusion indicates Broos’ intention to integrate young, dynamic players into the squad ahead of AFCON.
Keletso Makgalwa has also earned a call-up following a standout season with Sekhukhune United. The winger was nominated for the club’s Player of the Season award, registering more assists than any other teammate. His creativity and attacking contributions have made him one of the most consistent performers in the domestic league. Makgalwa’s inclusion adds depth to Bafana’s wing options and provides additional attacking flexibility for the friendly against Zambia and the upcoming AFCON campaign.
In a surprise move, Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala has been omitted from the squad. The 21-year-old has been one of Chiefs’ standout performers this season, recently delivering a Man of the Match performance with two goals and two assists against Orbit College FC. Despite his form, Broos opted for other options in the 23-man squad, emphasizing tactical balance and readiness for the international stage. Shabalala’s omission highlights the competitive nature of selection and the need for players to fit the coach’s specific game plan.
Bafana Bafana will use the friendly against Zambia to fine-tune their squad and build chemistry before AFCON. The team faces Angola in their opening match of the continental tournament on 22 December 2025. The inclusion of Nemtajela, Makgalwa, and the Pirates star reflects a focus on integrating new talent while maintaining core experienced players. Broos will aim to test combinations and ensure the squad is cohesive and prepared for the challenges of the tournament. The friendly offers an opportunity for players to stake their claim for a starting role in South Africa’s AFCON campaign.
Bafana Bafana squad to face Zambia on 15 November 2025 in Gqeberha. #BafanaPride @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/Ldp1POTBdb
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 6, 2025
