Themba Zwane, Kaizer Chiefs and 5 Big Losers From Latest Bafana Bafana Squad for AFCON 2025

When Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos unveiled the final 25-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the decision stirred plenty of debate.

 While some rising stars got a chance, a number of established and popular players were left on the sidelines — and a few clubs were left entirely unrepresented. Below is a look at five of the biggest names who are the biggest losers from the selection.

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Zwane, 36, is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most creative midfielders and a long-time stalwart for Mamelodi Sundowns as well as the national team.

Though he was originally included in the preliminary squad, Zwane was dropped from the final 25. The main reason: recurring injuries and lack of match fitness over the past year, with his most recent return coming too late to convincing Brooks he was ready.

His omission is symbolic of a shift — Broos seems keen to usher in younger legs and a faster, more dynamic midfield ahead of AFCON and beyond. Zwane will be hoping he can play himself back into form before the World Cup six months later.

Patrick Maswanganyi, from Orlando Pirates, was seen by many as a strong contender for a spot given his involvement in club football and previous national-team proximity.

Yet he didn’t make the final squad. Reports suggest his form was “indifferent,” with inconsistent performances and competition for midfield spots edging him out.

His omission underscores Broos’ willingness to drop fringe or inconsistent performers — even those with some pedigree — in favour of either younger options or players he perceives as more reliable.

Dithajane, who plays for TS Galaxy, reportedly had a solid run in the domestic league, which made his omission surprising to many fans and pundits alike.

Despite that, and although he was part of the wider pool, he did not make the final list. Broos’ decision appears to reflect tactical considerations or doubts about how well his style would fit at international level.

Petersen, who plays for Kaizer Chiefs, was once named in the preliminary squad, raising hopes among his supporters.

However, when Broos trimmed down to the final 25, Petersen was among those cut. The coach instead opted for a goalkeeping trio consisting of Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine. 

The omission reflects both the stiff competition in goal and the fact that Broos placed more trust in those with recent international experience.

Perhaps the biggest shock of all: no Kaizer Chiefs player made the final 25-man squad. 

In the build-up, several Chiefs players — including Petersen, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane and Mduduzi Shabalala — had been named in the provisional squad, raising hopes. 

In the end, all were excluded; only Shabalala was named as a standby, offering faint hope of a late call-up if injuries strike.

This omission sparked criticism among fans who felt their club was being unfairly treated — especially given Chiefs’ long history of contributing to the national team. 

Beyond the big names above, a larger group of players — many from the extended preliminary squad — were also left out. According to one report, a total of 29 players were ultimately cut from the final selection. 

Among them: the surprising omission of Iqraam Rayners (despite being a potent striker for his club), plus defenders and midfielders from across various clubs whose form or tactical fit wasn’t deemed sufficient.

The trimming shows that Broos was selective — not just based on reputation, but on fitness, form, and how players fit into his broader tactical plan for AFCON and future tournaments. 

The snubs signal a clear shift in direction for Bafana Bafana: from relying on veterans and storied stars, to infusing youth, energy, and perhaps more adaptability. The inclusion of 20-year-olds like Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell underlines this.

For the omitted,  it is a blow. Some may never get another chance, others may need to rebuild at club level to force their way back.

In the end, AFCON 2025 could mark a turning point for Bafana Bafana — a test of whether bold selections and fresh blood can pay off under pressure.