Ntseki banking on blended Bafana squad for CHAN charge
Image: Sydney Mahlungu/BackpagePix
Bafana Bafana are finalising preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off in just over a week across East Africa. South Africa begin their campaign against Algeria next Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, under the guidance of former Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki.
The tournament, set to run from 2–30 August, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. South Africa are in Group C alongside Guinea, Niger, and tournament hosts Uganda.
Ntseki heads into the competition with a well-balanced squad brimming with talent and experience. Several players are looking to use the tournament as a springboard to reignite their careers or take the next step in their development and here we look at five key players to watch: Neo Maema (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Neo Maema of Mamelodi Sundowns. Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Maema ended last season strongly, catching the attention of his club coach with solid performances during CHAN qualifiers. The 29-year-old midfielder rediscovered his form and thrived under pressure, even taking on captaincy duties as Bafana sealed their spot in the tournament.
With another important season ahead at club level, Maema will be aiming to use this competition as a launchpad to cement his place both at Sundowns and on the national stage. Zakhele Lepasa (Free Agent)
Former Orlando Pirates star Zakhele Lepasa. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
After a tough spell at Orlando Pirates, Lepasa's inclusion in the CHAN squad represents a fresh start. The striker struggled for consistent game time and eventually fell out of favour with coach Jose Riveiro, leading to his recent exit from the club.
Now a free agent, the 28-year-old will view the tournament as a perfect platform to remind everyone of his quality. When firing, Lepasa remains one of the top goal scorers in the country—and the tournament could be exactly what he needs to relaunch his career. Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza against Kaizer Chgiefs. | Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
At just 21, Khoza is considered one of the brightest young defensive talents in South African football. The centre-back has already tasted continental football through his CAF Champions League appearances with Sundowns, showcasing his calmness and maturity under pressure.
CHAN presents a valuable opportunity for him to gain more experience and stake a long-term claim in the national team setup—especially with vacancies opening up in the Bafana backline. Keagan Dolly (Free Agent)
Keagan Dolly of South Africa. Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Dolly enjoyed a strong campaign at TS Galaxy last season, helping them to an impressive fifth-place finish. Despite that, the club opted not to renew his contract. Still, his performances proved that he has plenty left to offer.
The tournament could be the perfect opportunity for the 31-year-old to maintain match fitness and stay in the spotlight while seeking a new club. His experience and creativity could prove vital as Bafana navigate a challenging group. Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Free Agent)
Ramahlwe Mphahlele joined AmaZulu from Kaizer Chiefs. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Veteran defender Mphahlele brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having featured in multiple international campaigns for Bafana. After parting ways with AmaZulu, the 35-year-old remains without a club but is still highly regarded for his leadership and professionalism.
The tournament could offer him a valuable chance to contribute both on and off the field, while also showcasing that he still has plenty to offer prospective PSL suitors.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
After last season's MTN8 final heartbreak, Stellenbosch set out with hope against AmaZulu
Steve Barker After a heart-wrenching near miss in last season's MTN8 final, Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker will hope his team will go one better this time. Photo: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC came painfully close to claiming their maiden MTN8 title last season, only to fall 3-1 to Orlando Pirates in what many deemed a controversial final. With the score level at 1-1, the turning point arrived with a late free-kick that Pirates executed from a disputed position, a decision that went unchallenged due to the absence of VAR. Stellenbosch have finished as quarterfinalists, semifinalists, and runners-up in the last three competitions, and now stand poised to take the next step towards championship glory. On Sunday, Stellenbosch take on AmaZulu in an MTN8 quarter-final (starting 15h00). Both teams, having experienced heartache in previous seasons, are desperate to secure their first title in this competition, making for an exciting matchup between two hungry squads. Coach Steve Barker's Stellenbosch squad faces a challenging rebuild this season after losing key players in the transfer window. The departure of captain and left-back Fawaaz Basadien to Mamelodi Sundowns will be particularly keenly felt, as his creative influence was pivotal. Midfielder Sihle Nduli's move to the Pirates adds to Barker's rebuilding woes as he navigates a new chapter for the club. AmaZulu also enters this quarter-final with a palpable craving for success, making their longing for an MTN8 title even more surprising. Historically, AmaZulu has never managed to lift this trophy despite being a mainstay in South African football. Their near miss in 2022, when they lost 1-0 to Pirates, echoes the disappointment of previous finals, including their 1976 setback against Kaizer Chiefs. With only one knockout trophy, now the Carling Knockout secured back in 1992, other honours have eluded this storied club. Barker urged his side to go all the way this time around. 'Last season we got to the final and unfortunately we didn't go all the way and win it,' Barker said. 'We have a big desire to go one step closer, but we have to get past a difficult opponent. Everybody's ambition is to win the MTN8. 'Preparation has gone well, we worked hard during pre-season and I look forward to the game.' AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane, the Kaizer Chiefs legend, believes that Stellenbosch will present a unique list of challenges. 'Difficult one, Stellenbosch are not an easy team to play against. We are playing in Cape Town. They know the conditions where they are based,' Zwane said. 'So, for us, it will be the case of adapting there and dealing with everything that comes our way. Mentally and physically, the guys are ready, and they know the importance of us going into the next round.' Stellenbosch are likely to adopt an aggressive playing style that puts them on the front foot, with Ashley Cupido leading the charge. His dynamic attacking skills have made waves during the team's pre-season preparations. The versatile forward will be a critical asset as Stellenbosch gears up to showcase their prowess on the pitch. AmaZulu will be keen to thwart Cupido's ambitions with their captain, Riaan Hanamub, spearheading its tightly-knit defence. A player with extensive experience, Hanamub will have the task of not only commanding his backline but also keeping Cupido at bay. The challenge posed by Stellenbosch will require Hanamub's know-how, as he prepares to lead his team against what is expected to be a formidable attacking onslaught.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns' talisman Lucas Ribeiro ecstatic with the season of triumphs, and teamwork
MAMELODI Sundowns talisman Lucas Ribeiro looking up to launch another spectacular season at Chloorkop. | MS/Facebook Ribeiro had his best season in the famous yellow and green jersey of Sundowns last campaign, scoring 21 and registering 14 assists in 51 games. Lucas Ribeiro is on cloud nine after winning big at the 2024/25 season PSL awards, and he's grateful for the support his teammates and coaches gave him. The Brazilian also starred at the Club World Cup in the US, scoring the Goal of the Tournament for his strike against German giants Borussia Dortmund in the group stage. And for his domestic efforts, he bagged the league's coveted Footballer of the Season, Player's Player of the Season, Goal of the Season and Top Goal Scorer of the Season awards. 'It was a very good season, and the team played very well,' Ribeiro told the Brazilians' media team after the award ceremony on Tuesday night. 'There was fatigue this season because we played so many games, but I am happy with individual trophies. 'I didn't play alone though. My teammates helped me a lot, and gave me support. So, thank you to them and the coach (Miguel Cardoso) - the guy helped me to elevate my level as a player.' Being crowned the Footballer of the Season - an award that's voted for by the 16 coaches in the league - is one of the greatest recognition a player can get. But, Ribeiro didn't want to single out his favourite trophy, saying: 'I like every trophy because they are all important to me. It was a crazy season for me, so all four mean a lot.' Ribeiro and Co are set to be in for another 'crazy season" as expectations have mounted on them to improve after their impressive display at the World Cup last month. As such, after coming back for pre-season, they started with their preparations at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium as their base, Chloorkop, is undergoing renovations. From thereon, they camped in Rustenburg before returning to Atteridgeville to finetune their preparations for the MTN8 quarter-final against Richards at the same venue on Sunday. 'Training was good,' said Ribeiro. 'I am happy with training, and I am back at training to help my team. I worked well with the players and the coaches.'
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
South African flag raised TWICE at World Aquatics Championships
The South African flag was raised twice more at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Friday as Pieter Coetzé claimed silver in the 200m backstroke and Kaylene Corbett a bronze in the 200m breaststroke. After his victory in the 100m backstroke on Tuesday, Coetzé lined up among the favourites, having qualified fastest for the final of the 200m event with a new African record in the semi-finals. The Pretoria swimmer went out hard in the final, turning first at both the 50m and 100m marks under world record pace, but was hunted down in the second half of the race by Olympic champion Hubert Kόs. While Coetzé closed in on the Hungarian in the final metres of the race, he just couldn't out-touch him, finishing second in 1:53.36 seconds, just 0.17 of a second off the gold. That took almost a second off the African record he set in the semi-finals and is the seventh fastest time in history. Both Kόs and Coetzé's times beat Kόs's gold medal-winning time from last year's Olympic Games in Paris. 'Coming into this, I didn't really expect to go that fast. This has exceeded all my expectations and it's just a big honour to be in a race like that,' said an elated Coetzé afterwards. 'I kind of expected to be out very fast. I could feel that I was moving at a high pace, and I knew that I would feel it in the end, and I did. 'But it's a big PB for me so I'm super-happy with the time.' Just one race later, Corbett dived in for the final of the 200m breaststroke. The 26-year-old reached the first turn in fifth place and steadily worked her way up to fourth by the second and third. A final push saw her surging into medal contention, claiming a joint bronze medal with Russian Alina Zmushka in a time of 2:23.52. Olympic champion Kate Douglass of the USA took the gold in a championship record time of 2:18.50, the second fastest time in history, with world record-holder Evgeniia Chikunova second in 2:19.96. 'It's been a really hectic year, and it just feels like it really came together when it should, so I'm just really, really stoked about it. I'm very, very happy,' said an emotional Corbett after claiming her first world championship medal. 'I just think that I gave everything I had, and I'm just really proud of myself with that performance.' The Pretoria swimmer has reached all her previous major finals alongside South Africa's four-time Olympic medallist and former world-record holder Tatjana Smith and added: 'Even though the world record-holder was there [tonight], even though the Olympic champion was there, I've been fortunate enough to swim next to Tatjana, so I know that those titles don't always mean everything all the time. 'I've been fortunate enough to swim under pressure next to her my whole career basically so it's really special to be able to win this medal. I just wish she was on the podium with me.' Kaylene Corbett wins a share of the bronze medal. Image: Wade Brennan Meanwhile, Erin Gallagher added more joy for the South Africans, finishing second in her 50m butterfly semi-final to book a spot in Saturday's final. The 26-year-old powered to a time of 23.39 seconds, bettering her own national record and finishing just one hundredth of a second off Egyptian Farida Osman's continental mark. That sees Gallagher through to the final as the third fastest qualifier. 'I'm so happy with that swim. I honestly think I owe it to Pieter and Kaylene, my team-mates, for winning medals tonight,' said Gallagher afterwards. 'I was in the call-room screaming, and they just got me excited for my race and I thought I can't drop the ball – my team-mates have done so incredibly well, I need to get into that final tonight and I think that spurred me on in the race.' Earlier in the day, Catherine van Rensburg finished 25th overall in the 800m freestyle in a time of 8 minutes 50.60 seconds. It'll be a busy day for the South African team in Singapore on Saturday with Coetzé returning to the pool for the 50m backstroke and Corbett for the 50m breaststroke, while Caitlin de Lange will be taking on the 50m freestyle. The mixed 4x100m freestyle relay team will also be in action before Gallagher's 50m butterfly final in the evening session. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
