AFCON 2025: South Africa coach Hugo Broos counting on defender Khuluani Ndamane ahead of tournament

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos is counting on TS Galaxy defender Khuluani Ndamane ahead of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

The 35th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to take place in the North African country from December 21 through to January 18, 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

South Africa are paired in the same group against record AFCON holders, Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe at the continental showpiece. They will open their account on December 22 against Angola.

The defender delivered a top-class performance as the Bafana Bafana inflicted a narrow victory over the Black Galaxies of Ghana in a pre-AFCON friendly on Tuesday.

Ndamane, is a left-footed centre-back, and he is seen as a ‘perfect’ replacement for Mbekezeli Mbokazi, should he be unavailable.

“It’s already a fantastic thing for him that he can go with Bafana Bafana to AFCON. Secondly, every game that Khulumani has played, I was satisfied.

“So, I know that even if he doesn’t play, I can count on him. He proved himself also today that he deserves to be with us.

“So, that makes me happy. Two years ago, we won games because there were guys on the bench who came on and decided the game. I’m very happy that even if he doesn’t play, he’s on the bench, I can always count on him.”