Bafana Bafana Final AFCON Preparations Under Strain

Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco are facing pressure due to a controversial FIFA ruling that significantly shortens the time available for national team training. 

Assistant coach Helman Mkhalele has voiced strong frustration with FIFA’s decision to allow clubs to retain players until 15 December, a stark change from the traditional 14-day release window preceding the tournament’s 21 December start date.

Mkhalele stated the ruling shows a lack of respect for African football, saying: “I would say it is totally unfair and unacceptable, because when you look at it, you start to make assumptions that maybe FIFA does not take African football too serious, as they do with Europeans.” 

He warned the compressed window will inevitably disrupt tournament preparations

Despite the logistical headaches, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the squad’s final warm-up on home soil. Bafana Bafana will host Ghana on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Gauteng. 

Following this last test, the entire squad is scheduled to depart for Morocco the very next day, Wednesday, 17 December, 2025, to finalize their tactical preparations before their opening Group B match against Angola on 22 December.

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