Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has made a key change to his squad as the South African national team gears up for their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers. Broos confirmed the withdrawal of Mihlali Mayambela due to an unfortunate injury, which means Stellenbosch FC winger Devin Titus has been called up to replace him. The squad is preparing for two pivotal encounters: first, against Group K leaders Uganda in Kampala, and then back home, against South Sudan at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Bafana Bafana Squad Announcement and Preparations Underway
Hugo Broos announced the 23-man squad on Thursday, with players gathering in camp on Monday. The team’s first training session is set for Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, where they will focus on their strategies for the upcoming matches. This final round of qualifiers will determine Bafana’s qualification pathway to AFCON 2025, heightening the stakes in these upcoming games.
The initial squad had seen Mayambela’s inclusion, a nod to the forward’s recent form and his impressive contributions on the field. However, the injury setback over the weekend has ruled him out, leading Broos to replace him with Titus, a player who has shown promise with Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership.
Mayambela’s Withdrawal and Titus’ Call-Up
Broos addressed the unfortunate situation with Mayambela, sharing his disappointment at losing the forward just before such critical matches. “Unfortunately, Mayambela will not join us in camp, and he will be replaced by Devin Titus from Stellenbosch FC,” Broos told SAFA.net. Titus’ inclusion brings fresh energy and versatility to the squad, with the winger expected to support Bafana’s offensive efforts.
Bafana Bafana: Match Schedule and Venues
The journey begins on Friday when Bafana face Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala at 15:00. Uganda currently sits at the top of Group K, making this clash a challenging yet essential fixture. The South African squad will then return home to Cape Town for their next qualifier against South Sudan at DHL Stadium on Tuesday, 19 November. Notably, this match marks the national team’s first appearance in Cape Town in close to a decade, adding historical significance to the encounter.
Stakes High for AFCON Qualification
With the team aiming to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament, these matches against Uganda and South Sudan are crucial. Uganda leads the group and has been in solid form, so a win in Kampala could set Bafana up well for their final game at home. Securing points from both matches would solidify Bafana’s qualification prospects and demonstrate Broos’ growing influence on the squad’s performance.
Conclusion
The absence of Mayambela will be felt, but Titus’ call-up provides Broos with a fresh option in attack. South African fans can look forward to seeing Bafana back on home soil, as they push for AFCON qualification with determination and pride.
Related article: Bafana Bafana’s Final Squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Against Uganda and South Sudan