“It is very important that we have players who know that if something happens with injuries or whatever, we can count on them. We will ask them to stay in shape and train, and keep in good condition because should something happen, we are prepared. So that’s why I have selected these players and will keep them on standby,” he said.

Bafana Bafana are in Group B in the AFCON, and they will face Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. The South Africans play their first match of the continental tournament against Angola on 22 December 2025.