Bafana Bafana: FIFA Directive That Gives South Africa Massive AFCON 2025 Advantage

While African countries have slammed FIFA over its decision to extend the release period of players from European clubs, South Africa could be the main beneficiary.

FIFA yielded to pressure from European clubs to have them retain African players up until December 15 before releasing them for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which is due to take place between December 21 and January 18 in Morocco.

That has not gone well with AFCON-bound teams as they feel their preparations have been hampered, given they will welcome their star players just a week before kickoff, when they would have wished to have at least two and up to three weeks of training.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Of the 24 AFCON teams, nearly all will be relying on foreign-based players for success but South Africa is different.

This is because Bafana Bafana are loaded with players who play in their local league and therefore will have a head start over their rivals when it comes to AFCON preparations.

Veteran coach Hugo Broos named a 25-man final AFCON squad that has eight foreign-based players with 17 plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League.

This has seen South Africa start AFCON preparations early with the bulk of the squad hitting camp at the Tuks High Performance Centre in Pretoria on Monday and with a friendly match against Ghana on December 16 before they depart for Morocco the following day.

This will greatly boost their chances at a time when most countries will still be waiting for their big hitters to arrive. The ample time and good rest will be crucial for Bafana Bafana against their rivals who will have players who might be tired from their extortions in Europe and the long travel back home.

South Africa, who finished third at the 2023 tournament, have targeted at least the semi-final at the 2025 edition and believe it is possible.

Bafana Bafana are in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. Broos’ men will kick off their campaign against the Angolans on December 22.