South Africa Unveils Preliminary Squad for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
South Africa has officially begun its countdown to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with head coach Shakes Mashaba announcing a preliminary 34-man squad on Thursday. The announcement marks a critical stage in Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the continental showdown, set to take place in Equatorial Guinea.
The provisional squad features 27 players from the domestic Premier Soccer League (PSL), highlighting the coach’s confidence in local talent. While the selection reflects Mashaba’s commitment to building from within, it also sparked debate due to a few notable omissions.
Among the most talked-about absences is that of goalkeeper and former captain Itumeleng Khune. The Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper has been sidelined with a long-term injury and is not expected to return to full fitness until late December. Despite his experience and leadership, the medical uncertainty appears to have ruled him out of consideration, at least for now.
The exclusion of Lehlohonolo Majoro and Kermit Erasmus, both forwards for Orlando Pirates, also raised eyebrows. In contrast, Bernard Parker, a seasoned campaigner, and Tokelo Rantie, who was initially considered doubtful, have been included. Rantie’s presence is particularly encouraging for fans, given his pace and past impact in international fixtures.
Mashaba, who has overseen a resurgence in South African football since taking the reins, is expected to use two friendly matches in early January to fine-tune his squad. The team will face Zambia on January 4 at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. A second warm-up fixture, against Mali, is also scheduled shortly after. These games will serve as the final audition for players hoping to secure a spot in the final 23-man squad.
South Africa faces a daunting task at AFCON 2015. Drawn into Group C, widely considered the “Group of Death,” Bafana Bafana will have to navigate a difficult path to progress. Their group rivals include Algeria, currently Africa’s top-ranked side; Ghana, perennial contenders with a rich tournament pedigree; and Senegal, a physically imposing team boasting talent across Europe’s top leagues.
Despite the tough draw, there is optimism surrounding South Africa’s campaign. Under Mashaba, the national side has shown signs of renewed energy and tactical discipline, going unbeaten in their qualifying group and conceding only three goals.
The final squad announcement is expected in early January following the conclusion of the preparatory friendlies. For now, attention turns to the training ground, where players must prove they are ready to help South Africa make an impact on African football’s biggest stage.
