Bafana Bafana not going to AFCON 2025 with the strongest squad – Eric Tinkler

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has voiced his reservations over the Bafana Bafana squad named for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Speaking after his side’s 1-0 league victory over Magesi FC in Seshego, Tinkler suggested that the selection announced by national team coach Hugo Broos does not represent the strongest squad available.

Broos revealed a 25-man roster that includes two U20 players, Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell, alongside familiar faces from the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, as well as newcomers like Thabang Matuludi and Relebohile Mofokeng making their tournament debuts.

Notably absent from the squad is veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, while three additional players, Iqraam Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Thabo Moloisane, have been named as standby options. Bafana Bafana have been drawn into Group B alongside Angola, Zimbabwe, and Egypt.

Tinkler acknowledged the challenges his national team faces in Morocco, describing Group B as “very tough.” While he stopped short of publicly detailing his opinions, he admitted that he believes the squad is not the strongest possible.

“I think we got a very tough group. I have my own opinions, which I prefer to try and keep to myself. I don’t think we have the best squad selected,” Tinkler said.

He added, “That’s just my view but hopefully we can finish higher than we did in the last campaign, but it’s going to be tough. The group we’re in is not an easy group, but it’s going to be about how we start that first game. They got a great chance I think. “I think they got a chance of getting out of the group but it’s not going to be easy.”

Despite his concerns, he conceded that Bafana Bafana have a real opportunity to advance from the group stage, though he warned that success will not come easily.

The 2025 AFCON in Morocco is scheduled to kick off on December 21.