Bafana squad reaction: Concerns over left-back position and Zwane’s exclusion

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth has raised concerns about the left-back position in Bafana Bafana’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Aubrey Modiba is the only specialist left-back named in the squad, which Booth believes could pose challenges for Hugo Broos’ side in Morocco. “Perhaps he could use one of the wide players at left-back,” Booth suggested.

However, Phumudzo Manenzhe feels there are alternatives within the squad. “You have Kabini, who can play both left-back and left centre-back, and Mbokazi can also cover those positions. There is sufficient depth with Kabini and Mbokazi,” said Manenzhe.

On the right flank, the situation appears more secure. The inclusion of youngsters such as Shandre Campbell, who plays for Club Brugge in Belgium, might have surprised some, but not Booth. “For a tournament of this nature, you need one or two youngsters. They might get some game time, but even if they don’t, the experience of Afcon will prepare them well for next year’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada,” Booth explained.

Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group B alongside regional rivals Angola and Zimbabwe, as well as former African giants Egypt. On paper, Bafana should progress from the group without major difficulty. “Egypt will probably be our toughest competition,” Booth noted.

Manenzhe also weighed in on Themba Zwane’s omission: “I love Zwane, but how much football has he played? The tournament is in three weeks, not next year. He’s coming off a long-term injury and then suffered another setback. He’s a top-quality player, but he hasn’t had enough game time,” he said.