CHAN Chronicles: Team Profile: South Africa

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will be returning to the African Nations Championship for the 1st time since 2014 and will aim to better their 2011 quarter-final exit.

This year, South Africa returns with renewed intent and a squad selected from the country’s domestic-based players, giving a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage.

Bafana Bafana will face Algeria in their Group C opening fixture on 8th  August at the Nelson Mandela  Stadium, Namboole.

Qualification
South Africa sealed their spot at the finals after a dominant 2-1 aggregate win over Malawi in the final qualification round.

Coach: Molefi Ntseki returns to the national team fold with the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana’s CHAN squad.

The 54-year-old previously served as head coach of the senior national team from 2019 to 2021, having also worked extensively within SAFA’s youth structures, including the U17 and U20 teams.

File Fact:

Nickname: Bafana Bafana
Appearances:2011, 2014, 2025
FIFA Ranking: 56
Coach: Molefe Ntseki
Captain: Neo Maema

Group:C: Algeria, Uganda, Guinea, Niger

Key Player: Neo Maema

The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder is a visionary player who is renowned for both creating and finishing off scoring chances.

This year, South Africa returns with renewed intent and a squad selected from the country’s domestic-based players, giving a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage.

Despite hosting the tournament in 2014, they’ve never reached the semi-final stage.

This year presents a big opportunity to rewrite that history.