Former Kaizer Chiefs and Zimbabwe Warriors midfielder Willard Katsande believes South Africa has what it takes to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.
Bafana Bafana will open their AFCON matches against Angola on 22 December before they face Egypt and Zimbabwe on 26 and 29 December, respectively.
Katsande backs South Africa and Zimbabwe
In a post shared on social media, Katsande expressed confidence in both South Africa and Zimbabwe ahead of the continental showpiece.
“In my OPINION South Africa will win 2025 AFCON, Zimbabwe will have a good tournament too with the quality players we HAVE,” he wrote.
Katsande, who enjoyed an impressive career in the South African Premier Soccer League, said he has been encouraged by the progress made by Bafana Bafana under coach Hugo Broos.
Bafana Bafana’s History in AFCON
Bafana Bafana made their debut in 1996 as hosts and made an instant impact by winning the tournament under coach Clive Barker, defeating Tunisia 2–0 in the final.
South Africa followed that success with a runner-up finish in 1998 and a third-place showing in 2000, establishing themselves as one of the continent’s rising powers.
However, the years that followed were marked by inconsistency, with several group-stage exits and missed qualifications.
Their recent resurgence under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, highlighted by a third-place finish at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, has reignited hope that Bafana Bafana can once again challenge for continental glory at the 2025 edition in Morocco.
Katsande’s remarks sparks excitement
His remarks have sparked excitement among fans on social media, with many applauding his faith in southern African football.
“In the last afcon edition SA reached the semi finals,” posted @SK Sibako. “Now they have a good chance of going all the way to the final and clinch it 30 years after the class of 1996.”
The 2025 AFCON will be hosted in Morocco next month.
