Aaron Mokoena backs Bafana to take 'the next big step' at AFCON 2025

Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena believes the national team is ready to take another major step forward at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.

Bafana are returning to the continent’s biggest stage after securing a memorable bronze medal in the previous edition, and confidence around the camp is rising after Hugo Broos named his 54-man preliminary squad earlier this week.

The tournament runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, with Broos’ side drawn in a competitive Group B alongside Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola. Bafana open their campaign against Angola on 22 December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Speaking at the Clinix Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge media launch at Maponya Mall, Mokoena said the team’s evolution since the last tournament gives him belief.

“I think Bafana Bafana have led us since the previous AFCON tournament,” he said. “They are going to AFCON now for the second time. They came back with bronze, and now it is about time they actually get to the finals.”

Mokoena said he hopes Bafana’s momentum will run parallel with the continued success of Banyana Banyana.

“Hopefully, when they get to the finals, we will follow through with the girls as well. We know our Banyana have been amazing on the continent; they went to the World Cup as well. But for us, it is about celebrating this year.”

He believes the national team’s strengths lie in qualities often overlooked in discussions about African football.

“For me, I just want to see the qualities that we have in the country,” he said. “We have players who are so quick and skilful. Those are two major qualities that we possess in South Africa.”

Mokoena added that although physicality plays a major role in African football, South Africa’s identity rests on technique, movement and pace.

“Yes, we can talk about strength, but we are playing against other African countries where they may be bigger than us. However, we have speed in our football philosophy, with players who are technically amazing.”

The former skipper also emphasised the broader success across all South African national teams this year.

“All our national team divisions qualified for AFCON and FIFA World Cups,” he continued. “So, it’s been a beautiful year. That’s what we need to celebrate.”

In typical Mokoena fashion, he ended with a call for perspective and positivity.

“Yes, I know we complain a lot because we are South Africans; we are always about complaining,” he said. “But why can’t we celebrate 2025 for all the achievements our national teams have accomplished?”