Smith, Campbell and Mokwana Lead Surprise Additions to Bafana's Final AFCON Squad

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained the surprise inclusion of Tylon Smith, Shandre Campbell and Elias Mokwana in his final 25-member squad for AFCON this month in Morocco.

Broos announced his final squad for the continental showpiece on Monday, and the only surprise call-ups were the trio as he kept the bulk of the players who qualified for both the event and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Smith, Campbell's Rise Impresses Broos

Smith (20) has had an impressive year overall. He was the cornerstone of the SA U20 side, Amajita, as they won their first-ever Africa Youth Championship. His exploits didn’t go unnoticed. Fresh from winning the Player of the Tournament award in Egypt, he was snapped up by English side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) from Stellenbosch’s reserve team.

Campbell (20) also had an impressive season with Belgian-based side Club Brugge. However, his year could have been better had the top-flight club agreed to release him for the U20 World Cup in Chile with Smith and company — but it wasn’t to be.

Youngsters Will Shape Bafana’s Future

Broos is pleased to have the duo at his disposal for the finals in Morocco as he believes they will shape the future of the national team.

“I think the most important thing is that those players are very talented,” Broos said. “Tylon played in the Africa Youth Championship, so it was very surprising that Club Brugge didn’t release Campbell for the U20 World Cup.

“But it’s a great opportunity to adapt to a higher level and to see what’s happening with Bafana, and training with the national team. I took them for their quality, but we don’t have to bank on them to play.

“However, if there are opportunities, we can give them chances. But the most important thing is for them to be exposed to Bafana at a high level.”

Mokwana Earns Recall After Impressing in Saudi

Mokwana, meanwhile, will also mark his return to the national team set-up following a somewhat lengthy absence. After joining Tunisian-based side Esperance last season, he was expected to cement his place in the national team.

However, that wasn’t to be. As such, he secured a loan move to Saudi Arabian-based side Al Hazem this season, where his performances over the last few weeks caught Broos’ eye, forcing him to reconsider his earlier decision not to select him for AFCON.

“In the past few months, we have watched several games of Elias at Al Hazem,” Broos said. “He played very well, even though he wasn’t playing in his usual position, as they used him as a striker. That means if we need someone there, we can use Elias.

“He is very good. You know that I like wingers who are very quick and have action. I think Elias is someone like that.”

Standby Trio Urged to Stay Prepared

Broos is leaving nothing to chance heading into the continental showpiece. He has placed the trio of Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane on standby.

Broos hopes he won’t have to call up any of the trio in case of eventualities — such as injuries — as that would disrupt their preparations, but he has asked them to stay fit at home and be ready to join the team if the need arises.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
• Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC

Defenders:

• Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates
• Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy
• Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City
• Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB (Romania)
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates
• Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Samukelo Kabini – Molde (Norway)
• Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers (England)

Midfielders:

• Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates
• Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)

Attackers:

• Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates
• Mohau Nkota – Al-Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia)
• Sipho Mbule – Orlando Pirates
• Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates
• Elias Mokwana – Al Hazem (Saudi Arabia)
• Shandre Campbell – Club Brugge (Belgium)
• Lyle Foster – Burnley (England)
• Tshepang Moremi – Orlando Pirates
• Evidence Makgopa – Orlando Pirates

Standby:

• Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Mduduzi Shabalala – Kaizer Chiefs
• Thabo Moloisane – Stellenbosch FC

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