South Africa will be making their first appearance at the CHAN tournament in 12 years when they take on the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Friday in Kampala. This year’s tournament is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. While it does clash with the start of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, South Africa has still managed to assemble a competitive squad – even though several players in camp are free agents.

As the tournament falls outside of the FIFA international window, PSL clubs are under no obligation to release their players for national duty. This has historically posed a challenge for Bafana when it comes to tournaments of this nature.

Keagan Dolly. Photo: Backpagepix

Just last week, Bafana played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Angola – the same side that beat them 3-0 in the 2025 COSAFA Cup final at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 15 June. That warm-up match, held at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw.

The team landed in Kampala on Sunday afternoon and held their first training session on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure to East Africa, experienced Bafana midfielder Keagan Dolly – who has recently been linked with a move to the newly-formed Bloemfontein-based PSL club, Siwelele FC – said this tournament presents a huge opportunity to bring silverware home and to catch the eye of local clubs.

“There’s a bit of excitement – for many of us, it’s a chance to represent our country,” said the former Kaizer Chiefs captain.

“It’s been 12 years since we last featured in this tournament, so it’s a big deal. We want to give it our all, try win something for South Africa, and just enjoy being part of the setup again.

“There’s a good mix of youngsters and experienced guys in the squad. We know many of us have been without clubs, but this is a chance to come together, reconnect with players we know, and enjoy the camp while focusing on doing well in the tournament.”

Molefi Ntseki. Photo: Morgan Piek

Dolly also praised head coach Molefi Ntseki – the Botshabelo-born tactician – for the behind-the-scenes work being put in as they gear up for Friday’s opener.

“A lot of the players are experienced and used to setups like this,” he added.

“Some of them have already worked with Coach Molefi during the CHAN qualifiers, so it’s not unfamiliar territory.

The Bloemfontein-born Neo Maema will once against captain Bafana Bafana. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re working hard off the pitch with meetings, video sessions, and trying to understand what’s expected of us tactically and technically. I believe we’re improving every day and matches like the one against Angola will only help us get better.”

While the CHAN tournament officially kicked off on Sunday, Bafana will open their campaign on Friday against Algeria. Kick-off at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala is set for 16:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs