Bafana Bafana

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, is set to take on regional rivals Zambia in an international friendly match later this month. The clash, scheduled for Saturday, 15 November 2025, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, forms a key part of coach Hugo Broos’ build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. With kick-off at 18:00, fans can expect an exciting encounter as both sides fine-tune their squads ahead of the continental showpiece starting in December.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the venue details on Wednesday, marking a return to the Eastern Cape for Bafana Bafana after several years. Ticketing information will be released in the coming days, with SAFA urging supporters to stay tuned for updates. This friendly comes at a crucial time, allowing Broos to test new combinations and assess player fitness before the high-stakes AFCON tournament.

Venue Spotlight: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Hosts High-Profile Clash

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, a 46,000-capacity venue built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will provide the backdrop for this Southern African derby. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and modern facilities, the stadium has hosted numerous international matches, including Bafana Bafana’s memorable 2010 World Cup group stage games. Its selection reflects SAFA’s efforts to spread national team fixtures across the country, giving Eastern Cape fans a rare chance to see their heroes in action.
Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, has a rich football history, with local clubs like Chippa United calling the region home. Hosting this friendly not only boosts local tourism and economy but also inspires young talent in an area passionate about the beautiful game. SAFA officials highlighted the stadium’s excellent pitch and infrastructure as ideal for a competitive match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.
Hugo Broos’ Squad Selection: Preliminary List and Final Announcement
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, the Belgian tactician who led the team to a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON, named a 43-player preliminary squad on 28 October 2025. The list features a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents, showcasing the depth in South African football. Broos will announce the final 23-man squad today, Thursday, 6 November 2025, at SAFA House in Johannesburg.
The preliminary squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Renaldo Leaner (Cape Town City), Darren Johnson (Chippa United).
Defenders: Keegan Allan (SuperSport United), Khulumani Ndamane (Richards Bay), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Thabiso Sesane (Orlando Pirates), Tapelo Xoki (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), Rushwin Dortley (Kaizer Chiefs), Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Inacio Miguel (Petro de Luanda, Angola), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Deano Van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Gil Vicente, Portugal), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Luke Le Roux (IFK Varnamo, Sweden), Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC).
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Elias Mokwana (Esperance, Tunisia), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates), Mihlali Mayambela (Farense, Portugal), Kaletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United), Luther Singh (APOEL, Cyprus), Masindi Nemtajela (Orlando Pirates).
Notable inclusions are Orlando Pirates’ in-form forward Masindi Nemtajela, who earned his call-up after impressive performances, and the return of Mihlali Mayambela. Kaizer Chiefs’ young star Mduduzi Shabalala also features, highlighting Broos’ focus on blending youth with experience. However, injuries have sidelined players like Hannover 96’s Ime Okon, who remains in the preliminary list but is recovering from a hamstring issue.
Broos’ selection emphasises players from the Betway Premiership, with Orlando Pirates contributing nine names, underscoring their strong start to the season. Overseas-based stars like Percy Tau and Siyabonga Ngezana add international flair, crucial for facing AFCON challenges.

Zambia’s Challenge: Coach Departure Adds Intrigue

Zambia, known as the Chipolopolo, arrive in South Africa amid turmoil following the resignation of head coach Avram Grant on 29 October 2025. The Israeli tactician, who previously managed Chelsea and West Ham United, stepped down just weeks before the friendly and 53 days ahead of AFCON. Grant’s exit leaves Zambia scrambling for an interim coach, potentially impacting their performance.
Despite the upheaval, Zambia boasts talent like Leicester City’s Patson Daka and Red Bull Salzburg’s Fashion Sakala. The team qualified for AFCON 2025 and sits in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. This friendly offers them a chance to regroup, but former Zambian international Clifford Mulenga has described the match as “personal” between the two nations, citing historical rivalries in COSAFA competitions.
Bafana Bafana hold a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, with 10 wins to Zambia’s 7 in 22 meetings, including a 2-1 victory in their last friendly in 2020. However, Zambia’s 2012 AFCON triumph remains a benchmark for underdog success.

AFCON 2025 Preparations: Bafana’s Path to Glory in Morocco

This friendly is vital for Bafana Bafana’s preparations for AFCON 2025, running from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 across six Moroccan cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez. South Africa finds itself in Group B with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Tanzania, facing a tough opener against Egypt on 26 December in Marrakech.
Broos aims to build on Bafana’s strong showing in the 2023 AFCON, where they reached the semi-finals. Recent form has been solid, with qualification secured and ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers showing promise—South Africa tops Group C ahead of Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The “2026 FIFA World Cup-bound” tag reflects confidence in their qualification campaign, with key matches looming in 2026.
The Zambia game allows Broos to experiment, especially in defence and midfield, areas needing depth for the gruelling AFCON schedule. Fans and analysts expect a focus on attacking flair, with players like Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi pushing for starting spots.

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bafan bafana Bafana Bafaana

Bafana Bafana Gear Up for Zambia Friendly in Gqeberha as AFCON Preparations Heat Up

Bafana Bafana

Venue Spotlight: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Hosts High-Profile Clash

Zambia’s Challenge: Coach Departure Adds Intrigue

AFCON 2025 Preparations: Bafana’s Path to Glory in Morocco

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