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IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bafana Bafana's CHAN squad strike it rich as they snap up free agents
Keagan Dolly in action during their DStv Premiership match against Swallows FC at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg last November .Bafana Bafana's squad includes a number of free agents including Zakhele, Lepasa, Keagan Dolly (above) and Ramahlwe Mphahlele. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix Bafana Bafana's squad for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) is an exciting mix of experienced players and emerging talent. One particularly intriguing detail is that nearly half of the selected players are currently free agents. Out of the 25 players chosen, 12 don't have contracts, featuring standout names like Zakhele Lepasa, Keagan Dolly, and Thabiso Kutumela. Also making waves in the lineup are Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema and his impressive teammates Terrence Mashego and Ntando Nkozi. This unique situation will offer these players a brilliant chance to shine on a continental stage, potentially securing new contracts while proudly representing their nation. With the CHAN tournament focusing solely on players active in their home leagues, it's a stern test for many footballing nations, including Bafana Bafana as they gear up for a thrilling challenge in Group C. They'll be up against hosts Uganda, alongside Algeria, Niger, and Guinea—what an exhilarating lineup! Scheduled from August 2 to 30, the tournament will be held across the vibrant host nations of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. SAFA's Technical Committee has appointed Molefi Ntseki as the head coach of the CHAN team, and he is brimming with enthusiasm. 'We have assembled a team that will represent South Africa in the CHAN tournament,' he expressed confidently. 'We've carefully selected players who embarked on this journey with us. We can't wait for the tournament and are determined to give our all. "A big thank you to the clubs and coaches who made it possible for our players to join the CHAN squad' The excitement is building as the team started to train in Johannesburg on Friday before flying out to Uganda on August 3. They'll kick off their tournament against Algeria on August 8 at the iconic Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. As a fantastic start, the tournament's opening match will see co-host Tanzania take on Burkina Faso in Dar es Salaam—let's get ready for some amazing football action Full squad: Goalkeepers: Samukelo Xulu, Andile Mbanjwa, Kopano Thuntsane Defenders: Thamsanqa Masiya, Keagan Johannes, Wayde Jooste, Malibongwe Khoza, Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama, Terrence Mashego, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Kaketso Majadibodu Midfielders: Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Neo Maema, Menzi Masuku, Momelezo Dlambewu, Matlhari Makaringe, Rowan Human, Tebogo Tlolane, Ntando Nkosi, Luvuyo Phewa, Thabang Molaoa, Siyanda Msani Forwards: Zakhele Lepasa, Thabiso Kutumela, Keagan Dolly
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Bafana Bafana squad for CHAN tournament announced
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has published Bafana Bafana's squad that will play in the CHAN tournament. The 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament will be played from 2-30 August in East Africa. The finals will be hosted in three different countries – Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda – to see their readiness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It will be the first time three different countries get to host this tournament at the same time. The opening match will be played in Tanzania while the third/fourth playoff will be staged in Uganda. Kenya will host the final. Now, coach Molefi Ntseki has opted for experience more than anything, giving the majority of unattached local players a chance in his Bafana Bafana squad. The likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Keagan Dolly, Phillip Ndlondlo who recently parted ways with Pirates, Wayde Jooste, Rowan Human and Thabiso Kutumela have made the cut. Ntseki included FIVE Mamelodi Sundowns players in Neo Maema, Terrence Mashego, Malibongwe Khoza, Kegan Johannes and Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi. It is unclear as to whether or not the five players are in Miguel Cardoso's plans for the upcoming season which gets underway on 1 August. Bafana Bafana squad for CHAN finals. Image: @BafanaBafana/X Bafana Bafana are in Group C alongside co-hosts Uganda, Niger, Guinea and Algeria. Group A consists of co-hosts Kenya, Morocco, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Finally, Group B has Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
