Football: Who are South Africa's key players for AFCON 2025?
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Ronwen Williams (Goalkeeper) - Mamelodi Sundowns
South Africa reached the semi-final of the AFCON 2023, and while there were several memorable moments from their run to the final four, few come close to Ronwen Williams’ incredible feat of pulling off four saves in the penalty shootout against Cape Verde in the quarter-final.
Since then, Williams helped Mamelodi Sundowns reach last season’s CAF Champions League final and led the Brazilians to their 15th South African Premiership title, keeping seven clean sheets while conceding just 13 goals in 28 league games across the 2024-25 season.
Masandawana’s shot-stopper was crowned African Goalkeeper of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards last month. His big-game experience will be vital to his team’s success in Morocco, and we will be covering Bafana Bafana’s journey throughout the tournament in our in-depth AFCON 2025 predictions.
Williams will wear the captain’s armband at AFCON 2025 and will become the first South African goalkeeper to go to a third AFCON as the number one. He has been in sensational form in the lead-up to the tournament, having kept 11 clean sheets in 19 appearances for Sundowns this season.
Teboho Mokoena (Midfielder) - Mamelodi Sundowns
In the heart of South Africa’s engine room will be Teboho Mokoena, who has for many years been considered one of the nation’s best midfielders - technically capable, combative, and with exceptional passing range that allows him to connect defence and attack.
Like Williams, Mokoena has seen and done it all with Mamelodi Sundowns over the years, which equips him with the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure settings. That composure will be key, especially against Egypt, which is among the tournament favourites according to most South African betting sites.
While the 28-year-old is usually deployed at the base of Bafana Bafana’s midfield, he has an unlimited engine and gets into good attacking positions, as we saw in the Ivory Coast, where he netted twice in seven matches at AFCON 2023.
Lyle Foster (Forward) - Burnley
Hugo Broos has largely maintained faith in locally-based players for AFCON 2025, but the Belgian tactician has also brought in international talent, with one of the biggest names being forward Lyle Foster, who plays for Premier League outfit Burnley.
Foster may not be the most prolific striker around, but his physicality, hold-up play, and serving as a focal point of the attack are exceptional, allowing for players around him, such as Relebohile Mofokeng, to create one-on-one opportunities against defenders.
Additionally, Foster brings flexibility to Bafana Bafana’s front line, as he can lead the line from the off or come on as a tactical substitute, as he has done in the English top flight. His European experience will also be invaluable against teams with large contingents of overseas-based players.
Shandre Campbell & Tylon Smith (Clube Brugge & QPR)
Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith earned their first call-ups to the South African national team after exceptional performances under Raymond Mdaka, who led Amjita to their first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year.
Smith has come on leaps and bounds since joining Queens Park Rangers in England and was named Player of the Tournament at the U-20 AFCON. While he has yet to secure a regular first-team spot, the towering centre-back scored for QPR’s development squad in the 7-3 victory over Cray Valley last week.
Perhaps the biggest surprise selection for South Africa was Shandre Campbell. The youngster left Supersport United to join Club Brugge last year and has been making waves as one of the brightest prospects in the Belgian Pro League since his arrival.
Campbell features mostly for FCB’s feeder team, Club NXT, which had gone 14 games without a win up until last week when they secured a 3-1 victory over K.Beershot. The 20-year-old bagged a brace in that match, one of which was an absolute wonder strike directly from a corner.
