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The former star has criticised CAF's decision to shorten the AFCON 2025 player release period, warning it undermines team preparation.
Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has voiced his disapproval of the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to shorten the player release period for the Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA announced that clubs were only required to release their players seven days before the tournament, a rule mirroring the one used for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This meant players were not obligated to join their national teams until December 15 for the January tournament.
Doctor Khumalo argued that CAF should have taken a stronger stance to protect the integrity of its flagship competition.
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)
09:45 - 10.12.2025
Harambee Stars Defender Issues Warning to Benni McCarthy and FKF Ahead of AFCON 2027
The FK Vojvodina Novi Sad defender has urged the coaching staff and federation to act decisively now to ensure Kenya is fully prepared for AFCON 2027.
AFCON 2025: Bafana Bafana Legend Lectures CAF on Protecting African Football
"I think CAF should learn they need to protect African football," Doctor Khumalo said in an interview on Soccerzone.
"We understand that the bulk of players are coming from Europe, but we also have our own tournament that they need to respect."
The former star believes the responsibility lies with the African governing body, not FIFA, to ensure coaches have adequate preparation time.
)
14:34 - 09.12.2025
Bafana Bafana: FIFA Directive That Gives South Africa Massive AFCON 2025 Advantage
South Africa may be one of the dark horses at AFCON 2025 but a recent directive from FIFA may have greatly boosted their chances of winning the tournament.
"If you look at it, you might think FIFA is at fault, but it’s CAF," he explained. "If they went to approach CAF, CAF should’ve stood their ground and said ‘no... players need to be released three or two weeks before because what is the coach doing with seven days?'"
Doctor Khumalo did, however, note a potential silver lining for South Africa, adding, "Maybe on the other hand, it’s good for Bafana because 90% are local."
FIFA Shortens AFCON 2025 Player Release Window
Meanwhile, the mandatory release period for players participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has been controversially reduced to just seven days before the tournament's start.
Following consultations with stakeholders, FIFA's Bureau of the Council officially mandated that clubs are only obliged to release African international players from Monday, December 15, 2025, instead of the customary two-week period.
With AFCON 2025 set to kick off on December 21, this directive leaves African national teams with less than a week to conduct crucial training camps, assess player fitness, and finalise tactics.
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10:05 - 10.12.2025
Pitso Mosimane Breaks Silence on Kaizer Chiefs Job
Veteran coach Pitso Mosimane has sent a message to Kaizer Chiefs amid the speculation linking him with a move to the South African giants.
This move is a significant relief for European clubs, particularly those in the Premier League, who can now retain key African stars for an extra week of their packed festive fixture schedule. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United will benefit from this reprieve.
However, the decision has drawn heavy criticism from African coaches and federations, who argue that it compromises their preparation and prioritises European league continuity over the integrity of Africa's premier continental competition.