Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has moved to quell growing public debate
over player bonuses, calling for the nation to unite behind Bafana Bafana as
they depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
His appeal followed South Africa’s final warm-up match, a 1-0 victory
over Ghana on Tuesday. Taking to social media, McKenzie labeled reports
about financial incentives as “unnecessary” and “incorrect,” seeking to
redirect focus squarely onto the team’s campaign.
We’re seeing lots of unnecessary, incorrect speculation about AFCON bonuses. Player bonuses have been agreed already, separately from what we as government are giving. Right now all we need is to rally behind the players and the team. We’re winning this Cup! 🇿🇦⚽️🏆🔥🔥
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) December 17, 2025
“We’re seeing lots of unnecessary, incorrect speculation about AFCON
bonuses. Player bonuses have been agreed already, separately from what we as
government are giving. Right now, all we need is to rally behind the players
and the team. We’re winning this Cup,” McKenzie stated.
With preparations on home soil now complete, coach Hugo Broos and his squad
will finalise their plans for the tournament. Bafana Bafana begin their
Group D campaign against Angola on Monday, 22 December (19:00 kick-off),
before facing Egypt and Zimbabwe.
Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando
Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
Defenders: Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi
Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City),
Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), Aubrey
Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Tylon Smith
(QPR, England)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi
Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela,
Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi
Arabia), Sipho Mbule (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando
Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al-Hazem, Saudi Arabia), Shandre Campbell (Club
Brugge, Belgium), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando
Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Standby Players: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala
(Kaizer Chiefs), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC)
