Sundowns stars beef up who's who of has-beens in Bafana's Chan squad
There are a number of recognisable names in the 25-player squad but the amount of players labelled as 'unattached' is an indication of the challenge assembling a local-based national combination to compete in the finals.
Almost half the squad — 12 players — are without a club. There are some well-known names among those, though some read like a who's who of has-beens.
Unattached players include former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star Keagan Dolly and former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa and former Bucs midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo. Other blasts from the past are former Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic forward Menzi Masuku, former Pirates fullback Wayde Jooste, and former Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns Richards Bay forward Thabiso Kutumela.
Sundowns contribute many of the more current names, though many of these are fringe performers at the Pretoria giants and some have been reported to be on their way out of Masandawana.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
I just want to see myself on the field of play again - Injury-free Lepasa says after leaving Orlando Pirates
Zakhele Lepasa of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match against TS Galaxy at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto BAFANA Bafana striker Zakhele Lepasa has left Orlando Pirates after not playing for the whole of last season. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Zakhele Lepasa's nine-and-a-half year chapter with Orlando Pirates was closed on Friday following the striker's season-long spell on the sidelines. Lepasa was nurtured in the club's development a few years ago. As such, the club banked on him to be a capital investment someday. And so as to protect him, instead of throwing him in the deep end, they loaned him out, notably to TS Galaxy during the 2018/2019 season, to get some game-time. Lepasa shone at Galaxy, then competing in the national first division at the time, helping the team win the Nedbank Cup. That triumph in the final was sweeter for Lepasa as he scored the winning solo goal against the arch-rivals of his parent club, Kaizer Chiefs. Lepasa returned to Pirates after that season, but he failed to live up to expectations at the club, due to form and injuries. 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 @Lepasazakhele for your commitment and contribution to @OrlandoPirates Wishing you the very best in your next chapter 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞.𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The 28-year-old, who also spent six months at SuperSport United at some point, failed to make a single appearance for Pirates last season due to an injury. Consequently, the club decided to release him on Friday, ending a relationship that has spanned for close to a decade. Speaking at the premiere of Pirates' new documentary series, Giants, which Lepasa prominently features in, before he was officially released, he opened up on prospects. 'One thing that would mean a lot to me is seeing myself on the field of play, wearing a football jersey and getting the first minutes of the season,' Lepasa explained. 'I obviously didn't play for the whole of last season. Previously, I've had an injury like that (like the one that kept out last season), but that one had occurred in December, and I came back the following December. 'So, I then missed the last part and first part of the season. I never felt like I was out for the whole season. 'So, this is the first part that this has happened and it obviously brings a lot of doubt in my life and career - whether I can still try and be back and achieve what I set for myself.' Lepasa added that only playing will assert whether he still has what it takes to get back to his best and even fight for a spot in the national team. 'It (the injury) has done nothing but flawed my hunger because of the pain that I had to go through and sacrifices that I had to go through in one year,' Lepasa said. 'So to find myself (not) playing football was not easy. It was close to impossible (to endure) at some point. 'So, I won't say that I have overcome it, so having to play and be more regular is actually going to stamp that (whether I am fully back).' The South African Football Association has announced the squad that will represent the country at the CAF African Nations Championship next month. The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Friday, 25 July 2025. @SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) July 24, 2025 Lepasa is still highly rated in football circles as Bafana Bafana A side coach Molefi Ntseki has called him up for the Chan tournament which will be hosted in Kenya and Tanzania next month. 'I am yet to think about it,' Lepasa said of his call-up. 'What's crazy about Chan is that when a lot of us are regulars in our team, we tend to take Chan for granted. 'So when an opportunity like this arises, and you haven't played for a while, then that's only when you understand how important it is. 'Now it is as important as playing for Bafana and playing in the qualifiers, or Afcon. I am yet to think about it. But I am definitely happy about it. 'It's not just about being happy, but if I can see myself playing and training well, feeling like myself again, I think that's one thing I am looking forward to.'
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder set for loan move to African giants
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema is on the verge of completing a surprise loan move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC for the 2025/26 season. The 29-year-old playmaker has struggled for regular minutes at Chloorkop and expressed his desire to leave in search of consistent game time. While Siwelele initially showed interest, Simba acted swiftly once they became aware of his availability. A reliable source confirmed that both clubs have reached an agreement, with only formalities left before the move is finalised. Maema's imminent switch to Tanzania casts doubt over his potential involvement in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). However, with guaranteed club football and CAF Champions League action on offer, the creative midfielder seems eager to start a new chapter abroad. 'Siwelele were reportedly interested, but Simba acted swiftly once they heard he was available,' a source close to the deal revealed. He now looks set to reunite with Rushine De Reuck, who also made the move from Sundowns to Simba earlier in the window. Since joining Sundowns from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2021, Maema has played 120 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists. His contributions helped the Brazilians secure four consecutive DStv Premiership titles. Despite his success in South Africa, Maema saw his role diminish and wanted a fresh challenge. Simba's ambition and continental presence presented the ideal escape route. Simba fans will be eager to see Maema add creativity and control to their midfield. With Champions League ambitions driving the club. The arrival of a proven performer like Maema signals serious intent. Can the Mamelodi Sundowns star regain his old form in Tanzania? 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.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- 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
