Coach Hugo Broos of South Africa announces definitive squad ahead of AFCON

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa, under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, announces its formidable squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 (AFCON) in Cote d'Ivoire.

Spearheading the team is Percy Tau, the standout player from Al Ahly and the reigning CAF Interclub Player of the Year. The squad boasts a blend of experience and talent, including key players from Mamelodi Sundowns, such as Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, and Themba Zwane. The lineup reveals a strategic combination of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards set to make an impact on the tournament.

In a recent announcement, Coach Hugo Broos revealed the official 23-man squad for the upcoming AFCON 2023, solidifying the team that will compete against Africa's best national teams in January 2024. The selection process involved trimming down from an initial pool of 50 players, with Broos emphasizing the team's determination to progress past the group stages. The squad's journey begins with a training camp in Stellenbosch, starting January 4, 2024, followed by a closed-door training match against Lesotho. The lineup features notable exclusions and surprising inclusions, showcasing Broos's strategic choices for a successful campaign.

South Africa' Complete line-up at AFCON 2023

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, and Ricardo Goss

Defenders

Sydney Mobbie, Grant Kekana, and Terence Mashego, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Aubrey Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena and Siphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Thabang Monare, Thapelo Maseko, and Thapelo Morena

Forwards

Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa, and Oswin Appollis, Mihlali Mayambela, Percy Tau, and Evidence Makgopa

Game-changing Players and Strategic Decisions

Bafana Bafana's goalkeeping department boasts the exceptional talents of Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, and Ricardo Goss. Williams's shot-stopping abilities, Mothwa's commanding presence, and Goss's reliability form a robust goalkeeping unit. The defensive lineup includes Sydney Mobbie, Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Mothobi Mvala, and Khuliso Mudau, providing a solid foundation. In the midfield, Broos has selected Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Thabang Monare, Thapelo Maseko, and Thapelo Morena to orchestrate the team's gameplay. The attacking force comprises Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa, Oswin Apollis, Mihlali Mayabembela, Percy Tau, and Evidence Makgopa, showcasing a potent frontline. Noteworthy exclusions and surprises, including the absence of Lyle Foster and strategic choices like preferring Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa over Khanysa Mayo, add intrigue to the squad's composition.

Lyle Foster's Absence

The decision to exclude Lyle Foster from the squad comes as a surprise, considering his recent return to competitive football with Burnley. Foster's absence is linked to medical advice regarding mental health issues, as communicated by Burnley on November 9. Coach Vincent Kompany emphasizes that the decision is not within his control and follows medical recommendations.

It’s not even my decision, it’s not up to me. He just can’t [go to Afcon]. It’s the medical advice we are getting at the moment, he said. 

The conflict of course, is that he loves to play for his country. Even from my side, the AFCON is a big trophy, it’s a big competition.

It’s important for me as an African coach to support the competition, but it’s not up to me. I just relay [the message],” he continued. 

We’ve done everything for the human being to this point, there’s no reason to change all of a sudden now.

Despite efforts to coordinate with Foster and his doctors, Broos acknowledges the impossibility of his participation in AFCON.

We have had a lot of contact with Burnley over the past few weeks and they said forget and it’s impossible, but I still selected him in the provisional squad. 

There is still a danger that there will be problems and I spoke to doctors at Burnley and they said it is impossible for him to play at Afcon,” Broos said.

The team's focus remains on a successful campaign, starting with matches against Mali, Namibia, and Tunisia in the group stage. As excitement builds for AFCON 2023, fans can explore betting odds for their favorite teams, engaging in the anticipation of this prestigious football competition.

AFCON will kick off with Bafana facing Mali on January 16, followed by matches against Namibia on January 21 and Tunisia on January 24 to conclude the group stage. 

The competition is yet to start, but people all over the country are already formulating their betting odds. Bet for your favorite team with Bitcoin here: https://sportsbet.io/sports.

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