South Africa coach Hugo Broos has named two uncapped youngsters in centre-back Tylon Smith and winger Shandre Campbell in his final 25-player squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Broos named a 25-man squad on Monday, the first of the 24 teams heading to Morocco to do so, and while the core is his tried and trusted, he has brought in the two 20-year-olds, which many will see as an exciting development.
“We have to look to the future too, and have players who will train with us and get a feel of the national team,” Broos said in announcing his squad. “This squad will not change much for the World Cup as well, maybe a few players, so it is important to look to that too.”
Smith is at English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, while Shandre Campbell plays for Belgian side Club Brugge and has featured in the UEFA Champions League for them this season.
There is also a return for Saudi-based right winger Elias Mokwana, and Burnley’s Lyle Foster gets the nod too.
Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners is among three players on stand-by, along with centre-back Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC) and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala.
Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane did not make it having only just returned from injury, while Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi was not selected.
There are time only five players from Sundowns in the main squad, after Broos has relied heavily on them in qualifying for this tournament and the World Cup.
Instead, there are nine players from Pirates, with the team to be fully assembled on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
Broos revealed he is hoping to play a friendly against an as yet unnamed opponent on either December 16 or 17.
South Africa play Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola in Group B in Morocco, starting against the latter on December 22.
