It’s South Africa’s first appearance at the CHAN tournament since 2013, when it was hosted at home with matches in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and Polokwane. Bafana find themselves in a tough Group C at the East African tournament. 

It will be crucial to get off to a strong start against the Desert Foxes on Friday in the Ugandan capital.

While this squad is quite different from South Africa’s strongest team that will contest the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers from September, it’s an exciting mix of experience and youth, led by former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Neo Maema.

Monnapule Saleng. Photo: Morgan Piek

Maema said while securing the three points is important, it’s equally important to remember why they play football.

“For us as players, it’s mainly about enjoying the tournament because football is entertainment, and we want to make sure we give the supporters a great show,” said Maema, who may continue his professional career in Tanzania after the CHAN tournament concludes.

“Also, at the end of the day, it’s a tournament, and we have to prepare accordingly and play tournament football.”

Coach Molefi Ntseki, who hails from Botshabelo outside Bloemfontein, believes the team is well-prepared and ready.

Molefi Ntseki. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re talking about an Algerian side from North Africa with their own style, culture, and way of playing, which might be different from Uganda, Guinea, and Niger,” he said.

“In our preparations, we prioritised analysing our opponents, looking at their strengths and weaknesses. I’m sure they have done the same ahead of our first game tomorrow.

“They’ve done their homework because they’ve seen us play in the qualifiers against Egypt and Malawi, both home and away.”

Kick-off at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala is scheduled for 16:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg