South Africa has officially revealed its final 23-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, marking an important milestone in the build-up to the continental tournament. Head coach Stuart Baxter announced the list amid high expectations and difficult decisions, as the Bafana Bafana prepare to return to Africa’s biggest football stage. One of the most striking omissions is that of experienced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs, who has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. His absence is a major blow, given his leadership and long-standing role as one of the team’s key figures.
Baxter’s selection reflects both necessity and strategy. The Scottish coach had to contend with several withdrawals and fitness concerns before finalising his group. Among the notable exclusions is striker Kermit Erasmus, who failed to secure a place in the final cut. Keagan Dolly of Montpellier was also left out, with the technical staff judging him not fully ready to compete at the required level. Another emotional decision involved Rivaldo Coetzee of Mamelodi Sundowns, who was excused from the squad because of serious family circumstances, as his mother is gravely ill. These absences underline the challenges Baxter faced in assembling a balanced and competitive squad.
Despite these setbacks, South Africa will travel to the tournament with a group that blends domestic experience and European-based talent. The Bafana Bafana have been drawn into Group D, where they will face Ivory Coast on June 24, Namibia on June 28, and Morocco on July 1. It is a demanding group, featuring two continental heavyweights and a neighbouring rival, and it will require consistency, discipline, and tactical clarity if South Africa are to progress.
The selected players are set to depart for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to continue their preparations. There, they will fine-tune their conditioning and tactical organisation before playing a friendly match against Ghana, a test that should provide Baxter with a final opportunity to assess his team in a competitive environment. This training camp is expected to focus on team cohesion, defensive solidity, and attacking efficiency, all areas that will be crucial in a tightly contested group.
In goal, Baxter has opted for Darren Keet (Bidvest Wits), Rowen Williams (SuperSport United), and Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), entrusting them with the responsibility of filling the void left by Khune. The defensive unit includes Daniel Cardoso and Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs, Thulani Hlatshwayo of Bidvest Wits, Innocent Maela of Orlando Pirates, Sifiso Hlanti and Buhle Mkhawanazi of Bidvest Wits, and Thamsanqa Mkhize of Cape Town City. This back line mixes experience with mobility, suggesting an emphasis on organisation and versatility.
Midfield responsibilities will be carried by Bongani Zungu of Amiens, Hlompho Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda of Mamelodi Sundowns, Dean Furman of SuperSport United, Kamohelo Mokotjo of Brentford, Thulani Serero of Vitesse Arnhem, Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates, and Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns. This group offers a range of profiles, from ball-winning midfielders to creative playmakers capable of linking defense and attack.
Up front, South Africa will rely on Lebo Mothiba of Strasbourg, Percy Tau of Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, Lars Veldwijk of Sparta Rotterdam, Lebogang Maboe of Mamelodi Sundowns, and Sibusiso Vilakazi of Mamelodi Sundowns to provide goals and attacking movement. With the squad now confirmed, attention turns fully to preparation and performance, as Bafana Bafana aim to rise to the challenge and make a strong impression at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
