Ex-PSL coach tips Bafana for AFCON glory

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Former PSL coach touts Bafana for AFCON triumph

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Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) coach Wedson Nyirenda has tipped Bafana Bafana to clinch the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Morocco.

South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, neighbors Zimbabwe, and record seven-time African champions Egypt.

Hugo Broos' men walked away with the Bronze medal in the previous edition in Ivory Coast, and Nyirenda believes they are now well-placed to up the ante and lift a second continental title.

“South Africa is the biggest hope for Southern African teams at 2025 AFCON. Having finished third in the last edition, the expectations of every Southern African fan and citizen is that this year Bafana Bafana should go a mile ahead and win it,” he told Foot Africa.

"Honestly speaking, South Africa has players who fit in the puzzle. Orlando Pirates, having a lion share in number of players in the squad has proven their point in the league, although they dropped from the CAF Champions League.

"Mamelodi Sundowns players are also very influential in the national team due to CAF Champions League appearances at club level.

Nyirenda, who won the Telkom Knockout title with Baroka FC at the expense of Pirates in 2018, says Broos has proven his critics wrong with his exploits. Moreover, the Zambian tactician went on to name his dark horses and two other favorites for continental glory.

“Coach Hugo Broos has really proven his critics who called him a plumber when he came in wrong. Apart from South Africa, my other favorites are hosts Morocco, Egypt and the two dark horses - Angola and DR Congo,” he added.

Bafana will kickstart their campaign with a clash against Angola on Monday (19h00), before facing Egypt four days later and Zimbabwe on 29 December.