The African continent is currently gripped by football fever as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, officially kicked off this past weekend.
While the host nation, Morocco, started their campaign with a triumphant bang to delight the home fans in Rabat, South African hearts are beating faster following a clinical opening performance from Bafana Bafana.
On Monday night , 22 December 2025, Bafana Bafana ignited their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a resilient Angola side.
The win has sent a surge of optimism through the country, sparking conversations about whether this is finally the year the trophy returns to South African soil.
It has been nearly 30 years since the historic class of 1996 lifted the title on home soil, and the hunger for continental glory has never been more palpable.
One man who feels confident that Bafana Bafana can go all the way is former Bafana midfielder Reneilwe "Yeye" Letsholonyane.
A man who wore the national colours with immense pride, "Yeye" is fully convinced that Hugo Broos’s men have what it takes to navigate the challenges of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and go all the way.
“Almost 30 years is a very long time to wait, there is no doubt about that,” said Letsholonyane.
“But I truly feel we are in a good place and at the right moment right now. Over the last few years, we have been building steadily towards this stage. Finishing third in the previous edition showed everyone that we are incredibly close to the summit. I believe this is the perfect time for us to finally bring that trophy home.”
When asked about the current depth of the squad, "Yeye" didn't hesitate.
“I have one hundred per cent confidence in the group we have in Morocco. I have an immense amount of belief in this squad.”
“We don’t just have quality players in the starting line-up; we have strong, hungry players coming off the bench who can change the complexion of a game and make a real impact. I am feeling very positive about our team’s prospects.”
As a man who once controlled the engine room for the national team, Letsholonyane was particularly impressed with the tactical balance of the current side.
“The midfield is strong enough, absolutely. We have technically gifted players who are more than capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the games we will play in this tournament. Control is key at this level.”
South Africa Reneilwe Letsholonyane (L), Mexico Gerrardo Torrado (R) during the World Cup match between South Africa v Mexico. (Getty Images)
However, the road to the final will not be easy. Host nation Morocco currently stands as the heavy favourite to win the tournament, closely followed by a star-studded Egypt side led by the phenomenal Mohamed Salah.
Powerhouses like Algeria, Nigeria, and Senegal are also in the hunt, all eager to be crowned the new kings of Africa.
“For me, the strongest threat will undoubtedly be the hosts, Morocco,” Letsholonyane admitted.
“Teams like Egypt and Senegal are always competitive; they are giants of the game and have caused us problems in the past.”
“However, I am not focusing too much on the opposition right now because our team is in fantastic form, both collectively and individually. I truly believe this is South Africa’s time.”
Bafana Bafana’s journey continues with massive Group Stage clashes against Egypt and Zimbabwe.
Success here wouldn't just mean continental glory; it would serve as a vital springboard for the future.
“If they reach the final and go on to win it, it would be a massive, life-changing boost ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” said Letsholonyane.
“Being crowned champions of the continent would build an unbreakable level of confidence.”
“I am also hoping that around 80 per cent of the players representing the country at this TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will perform at their peak, as that will place them in an incredibly strong position ahead of the World Cup.”
“Looking at our World Cup draw with teams like Mexico and South Korea, it's a good draw, but playing the hosts in Mexico City will be tricky. However, Bafana can cause several upsets. I believe this team is ready to put Bafana in good stead for the global stage.”
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