South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, departed for Uganda early on Thursday, November 14, and is expected to land at Entebbe International Airport by afternoon.
The team, led by head coach Hugo Broos, aims to secure a crucial three points in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against the Uganda Cranes, scheduled for Friday at 4 PM at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Should the team arrive in time, they plan to conduct a familiarization session on the Namboole pitch.
With two matches left in their qualifying campaign, Bafana Bafana needs three points to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Cranes require just a single point from their remaining two games to book their spot, adding to the tension as both sides strive for a favorable result.
Coach Broos called up a competitive 23-man squad for the qualifiers against Uganda on November 15 and South Sudan on November 19.
Among the notable inclusions is Sage Stephens of Stellenbosch FC, joining Ronwen Williams, the country’s top-choice keeper. The attacking lineup also sees Mihlali Mayambela from Aris Limassol FC, while Relebohile Mofokeng from Orlando Pirates and Thapelo Morena from Mamelodi Sundowns are included to strengthen the offense.
Bafana Bafana has shown solid form in recent qualifiers, having secured a commanding 5-0 win at home against Congo in October and a 1-1 draw in the away leg in Brazzaville.
Coach Broos and his squad face pressure to continue this momentum and ensure qualification for the continental tournament.
Full Squad for Bafana Bafana vs. Uganda:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sage Stephens, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Mothobi Mvala, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngezana
Midfielders: Tebogo Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke Le Roux, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards: Mihlali Mayambela, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Evidence Makgopa, Iqraam Rayners, Elias Mokwana, Thapelo Morena, Relebohile Mofokeng
The upcoming match is expected to draw considerable attention, as both teams are on the verge of securing their tickets to AFCON 2025.
