Bafana Bafana Backed as CHAN 2025 Favourites Despite Late Squad Assembly
- Bafana Bafana will start their African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a tricky encounter against the Super Eagles of Nigeria
- A local football analyst backed the South African side to go all the way despite a late squad assembly
- Briefly News had an exclusive interview with a football analyst who broke down the game ahead of the CHAN opener in Kampala
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Bafana Bafana’s CHAN squad may be full of surprises, but football pundit Mandla Biyela believes they are the favourites to lift the trophy.
In an exclusive interview with Briefly News, respected South African football analyst Mandla Biyela shared why he believes Bafana Bafana have what it takes to go all the way in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is currently underway in East Africa.
Source: Twitter
Bafana Bafana are set to face Nigeria in a high-stakes Group C opener at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on Friday, 8 August.
"People are underestimating this squad because a few players are unattached, but that doesn't tell the full story. This group is special. There’s a perfect balance between youth and experience," said Biyela.
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A team built for this stage
According to Biyela, the decision to include players like Fortune Makaringe brings much-needed tournament experience, while also giving a platform to emerging talent.
"This team may have been assembled later than others like Uganda or Kenya, but don’t let that fool you. There's enough depth and tactical maturity to cause problems for anyone."
Why the Nelson Mandela Stadium could be a game-changer
Biyela also pointed to the symbolic value and playing conditions at Nelson Mandela Stadium as potential psychological and tactical advantages for the South Africans.
"Playing at a stadium named after Nelson Mandela is powerful. It resonates with our players in ways stats can’t explain. Plus, the pitch quality favours our technical style," he added.
The analyst also noted a warm fan reception in Uganda, where South African football has a strong following thanks to the Premier Soccer League’s popularity and previous Ugandan exports.
Source: Twitter
One concern ahead of Nigeria clash
The only possible stumbling block, Biyela warned, could be the late preparation time compared to other nations.
"If there’s one concern, it’s that our team didn’t get as much time together as others. But we’ve got players who’ve adapted to pressure their whole careers. Watch this space."
The tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, concludes on 30 August.
Meanwhile, South African legend Benni McCarthy led Kenya to victory in their opening match against Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
A lone strike from Austin Odhiambo in the added time of the first half gave the Harambee Stars the deserved win over DR Congo.
Benni McCarthy narrates how a PSL club betrayed him
Briefly News also reported that McCarthy opened up on the hidden story of how someone at a Premier Soccer League side betrayed him.
The former West Ham star worked as a head coach for two different clubs in the South African league before working as an assistant to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Source: Briefly News
