South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are back at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after more than a decade in the cold, marking their return to the competition for the first time since 2014. Despite being one of the continent’s football powerhouses, this is just their third CHAN appearance ,a statistic that reflects years of missed opportunities and inconsistent local player development.

Their last outing came 11 years ago when they reached the quarter-finals as hosts before being eliminated by Nigeria. Since then, they have failed to qualify for four consecutive editions. Now under head coach Molefe Ntseki, Bafana arrive in East Africa with a refreshed domestic-based squad, eager to write a new chapter.

Preparation hasn’t been smooth. With the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season already underway, most top-tier clubs opted not to release players. As a result, 15 of the 23 players in Ntseki’s squad are currently unattached ; a rare scenario at this level. While it poses challenges, it also opens the door for overlooked and emerging players to make a name for themselves.

The team has been in camp in Johannesburg and played a behind-closed-doors friendly against COSAFA Cup champions Angola, which ended in a 1–1 draw at Lucas Moripe Stadium. That match provided Ntseki a glimpse into the fitness and readiness of his squad ahead of a demanding group campaign.

Still reeling from their COSAFA Cup final defeat to Angola just two months ago, Bafana will be determined to bounce back with a stronger showing in Uganda , Tanzania and possibly Kenya (for the finals).

CHAN Squad

Star Watch

Neo Maema (Mamelodi Sundowns): The Bafana captain is expected to pull the strings in midfield. Known for his vision and creativity, Maema was instrumental in the qualifiers and now shoulders the task of guiding his side to a historic semi-final.

Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns): The composed youthful centre-back at just 21 years already has CAF Champions League experience and will anchor the Bafana defence. CHAN presents a chance to cement his place in the national team’s long-term plans.

Zakhele Lepasa: The former Orlando Pirates striker is on a mission to revive his career. Although he spent much of the 2024/25 PSL season as a benchwarmer, coach Molefe Ntseki defended his inclusion, saying: “Lepasa’s strength is scoring goals, so if you go into a tournament and you have 70 percent of Zakhele Lepasa and you give him 45 or 60 minutes, you are likely to get a goal out of him. Going into this tournament, we are fully aware that we might be struggling to get strikers to help us. Zakhele was available and we are happy with his medical report.”

His hunger, pace, and sharp finishing could be key to South Africa’s hopes in front of goal.

Fixtures & Group Overview

South Africa have been drawn in Group C, widely viewed as the “Group of Death”, alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and hosts Uganda. All their matches will take place at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala..

August 8: Algeria vs South Africa – Mandela Stadium, Namboole

August 11: Guinea vs South Africa – Mandela Stadium, Namboole

August 15: Niger vs South Africa – Mandela Stadium, Namboole

August 18: Uganda vs South Africa – Mandela Stadium, Namboole

Bafana Bafana enter CHAN 2024 with limited expectations but massive opportunity. If their key players step up and they can generate early momentum, a return to the knockout rounds or even beyond isn’t out of reach.